Evaluation of sonicate fluid cultures in comparison to histological analysis of the periprosthetic membrane for the detection of periprosthetic joint infection.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of sonicate fluid cultures (SFC) and the histological analysis of the periprosthetic membrane (PM) for the detection of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: The histological samples were evaluated according to the consensus classification of PM as defined by Morawietz and Krenn. All explanted endoprosthesis were subject to sonication. Additionally, a synovial aspiration and microbiological culture of tissue samples were performed for each patient. Twenty three of the 59 patients had an established PJI. RESULTS: Sonication achieved the highest sensitivity out of all diagnostic methods with 91 % and a specificity of 81 %. The PM achieved a sensitivity of 87 % and a specificity of 100 %. In three cases of PJI a pathogen was isolated solely by sonication while all other microbiological methods were negative. In seven cases there was a positive bacterial culture through sonication with negative histology. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a high correlation between the microbiological and histological results. In our patient group sonication achieved the highest sensitivity out of all diagnostic methods and was more sensitive than conventional microbiological methods.

Use of an ultrasound-based navigation system for an accurate acetabular positioning in total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

The purpose of this study was to compare an ultrasound-based navigation system with an imageless navigation system with surface registration in the postoperative acetabular cup position. A prospective randomized controlled study of 2 groups of 40 patients each was performed. In the first group, cup positioning was assisted by an ultrasound-based navigation system, and in the second group, the cup was assisted by imageless navigation system with surface registration. There was significantly more outliers in the imageless navigation group. In addition, there was statistical significance in the anteversion angles and in the anteversion error between the imageless navigation and ultrasound-based navigation groups. Ultrasound-based navigation improves cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty better than an imageless navigation system by reducing the outliers, achieving a higher accuracy of anteversion.

Ultrasound-based computer navigation of the acetabular component: a feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: This feasibility study investigated the accuracy of anterior pelvic reference plane (APP) registration and acetabular cup orientation in two cadavers with different BMIs. METHOD: Five observers each registered the APP five times in the 2 cadavers (BMIs: 32 kg/m(2) and 25 kg/m(2)) using an ultrasound-based navigation system. By comparison against the CT-derived reference landmarks, the errors in determining the individual landmarks defining the APP, as well as the resulting errors in the orientation of the APP and the acetabular cup orientation were determined. RESULTS: Across all measurements obtained with the ultrasound navigation system, the errors in rotation and version in determining the APP were 0.5° ± 1.0° and -0.4° ± 2.0°, respectively. The cup abduction and anteversion errors determined from all measurements of the five investigators for both cadavers together were -0.1° ± 1.0° and -0.4° ± 2.7°, respectively. The data further demonstrated a high reproducibility of the measurements for the resulting cup adduction and anteversion angle. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results confirm that ultrasound navigation is a highly accurate tool that allows a reproducible registration of the APP and thereby enables accurate and precise intraoperative determination of the acetabular cup orientation also in patients with increased BMI.

Validation of a CT image based software for three-dimensional measurement of acetabular cup orientation.

The purpose of our study was to develop a simple and reproducible method for calculating post-operative acetabular cup position based upon computed tomographic images. Next, we sought to examine the reliability, objectivity and accuracy of this method. We developed a 3D CT evaluation software based upon Amira® (data visualisation, analysis and modelling software) to calculate the abduction and anteversion of the acetabular cup relative to the APP (anterior pelvic plane). To test the accuracy of the method, we constructed a special phantom pelvic model as the gold standard, in which the acetabulum was mounted at various abduction and anteversion angles that had previously been measured digitally. This phantom was then CT scanned in 12 different cup positions (30° to 50° abduction, 0° to 30° anteversion) and then evaluated using the 3D CT evaluation software. In addition, we also examined the reliability and objectivity of this method in 10 patients following implantation of a hip prosthesis, as a clinical trial. We observed an average accuracy of the 3D CT evaluation software of −0.3° (range −1.4° to 1.3°; SD 0.6°) for abduction and 0.2° (range −1.4° to 1.4°; SD 0.6°) for anteversion compared with the gold standard. Moreover, a high intra -and interindividual agreement in the resulting ICC well above 0.8 for abduction and abduction values in the phantom study and the clinical trial were observed. This study found that the 3D CT evaluation software provides high reliability, objectivity and accuracy. Thus, the 3D CT software is a method that permits very precise evaluation of the post-operative cup position independent of patient positioning or pelvic tilt.

[Reconstruction of large acetabular defects using trabecular metal augments]. / Rekonstruktion grösserer Pfannendefekte mit metallischen Augmentaten--Trabecular Metal Technology.

OBJECTIVE: Revision of cup and reconstruction of original center of rotation. High primary and secondary stability. Prevention of additional bone loss. INDICATIONS: Osseous defects at the anterior-cranial, cranial and posterior-cranial rim of acetabulum. Larger cavitary, medial or oval defects (Paprosky IIb-IIIb). Segmental defects (anterior column up to half of host bone, posterior column up to one third of host bone). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Infection of total hip arthroplasty. Pelvic discontinuity (Paprosky IV). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Exposure of acetabulum and detection of defects. Complete removal of soft tissue from acetabulum, reaming of sclerotic bone, if necessary. Adaptation of trial augments to close an oval defect to a round defect and to reach an uncontained defect, respectively. Adaptation of trial cup. In case of sufficient stability, fixation of final augment with two or three screws in cranial bone stock. The screws should be directed to iliosacral joint. Augmentation with allogenic bone chips is possible in the region of wedge and acetabulum as well. Sealing of rough augment surface with bone cement. Implantation of cup, fixation with screws. Application of insert. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Depending on bone defects, full weight bearing is possible. In cases of severe bone defects, reduction of weight bearing to 20 kg for 6 weeks is recommended. Postoperative physiotherapy is possible in most cases. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2007, 38 patients with acetabular defects type IIIa und IIIb according to Paprosky underwent reconstruction using the TMT system (Trabecular Metal Technology). After 25 months, a significant functional improvement was seen in all patients. The Merle d'Aubigné Score increased from 6 points preoperatively to 13 points postoperatively, the Harris Hip Score from 29 to 78 points. Two revisions were necessary because of loosening or migration of the cup.

3D CT analysis of combined cup and stem anteversion in cases of cup navigation in hip arthroplasty.

Navigation of the cup in total hip arthroplasty is well analyzed and shows accurate results, reducing cup outliers of Lewinnek's "safe zone." With regard to the combined anteversion of cup and stem, however, a "new" safe zone with a range of 25° to 50° has been published. The aim of this study was to analyze total anteversion (cup and stem) by postoperative 3D computed tomography in isolated cup navigation cases. In 46 patients, the mean combined anteversion was 34.4° (range, 16.3°-57.3°, SD ± 9.3°) with 10 outliers. The mean cup anteversion was 19.5° (range, 11°-27°, SD ± 3.7°). Regarding Lewinnek's "safe zone" (cup only), we observed 5 outliers. An improvement of technique of stem implantation or navigation may reduce outliers of combined anteversion.

Influence of body mass index and thickness of soft tissue on accuracy of ultrasound and pointer based registration in navigation of cup in hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Precise identification of bony landmarks by use of pointer based navigation systems is influenced by thickness of soft tissue. Ultrasound-based navigation systems try to overcome the problems of positional deviation associated with soft tissue. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the BMI and the thickness of the soft tissue on the post-operative cup position and accuracy in the application of an ultrasound-based (US CAOS) and a pointer-based navigation system (P CAOS). METHODS: 82 patients received a hip replacement in minimally invasive surgery in two cohorts: US CAOS group: using ultrasound navigation (n = 39) and P CAOS group: using a pointer-based navigation (n = 43). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in anteversion and anteversion error between the groups. In addition, we observed a significant correlation between the thickness of the presymphysial soft tissue and the anteversion error in both groups. We also detected a significant correlation between the anteversion error and the BMI in both groups. However, the absolute error in anteversion with increasing thickness of the soft tissue layer was slighter in the ultrasound-based group compared to pointer-based navigation. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the ultrasound-based and pointer-based navigation systems are influenced by the BMI and the thickness of the soft tissue layer above the symphysis. However, ultrasound-based navigation seems to have advantages with thicker soft tissue layers, as seen in overweight and obese patients.

CT evaluation of native acetabular orientation and localization: sex-specific data comparison on 336 hip joints.

BACKGROUND: The reorientation of the acetabular component in total hip replacement is currently carried out under consideration of the safe zone, respecting the best possible range of motion and is influenced by wear debris of different bearings. Is the preferred orientation a reconstruction of the native anatomy and are there sex-specific differences? METHODS: On the basis of 168 CT datasets (72 women, 96 men) 336 native hip joints were analysed. The abduction and anteversion of the acetabulum as well as the location of the hip center were detected. As a reference the anterior pelvic plane was used. RESULTS: The 144 female hip joints showed a mean abduction of 53.0 degrees (SD 6.14 degrees ) and an anteversion of 24.63 degrees (SD 6.61 degrees ). The 192 male hip joints showed an abduction of 53.58 degrees (SD 6.68 degrees ) and an anteversion of 21.31 degrees (SD 6.17 degrees ). Significant differences were observed on comparison between the sexes in relation to the anteversion and the location of the hip center. Likewise, there was a significant correlation between the position of the hip center and the degree of anteversion. CONCLUSIONS: In total hip arthroplasty a reconstruction of the native acetabular orientation is not possible, gender specific characteristics should be considered.

Ultrasound-based navigation and 3D CT compared in acetabular cup position.

Intraoperative landmarks are used in image-free navigation systems. The ultrasound-based navigation systems try to overcome the problems of positional deviation associated with soft tissue. Our study analyzed the accuracy of ultrasound-based navigation of cup positioning compared with postoperative 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography scans of cup positioning. Twenty-five ultrasound-navigated total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were analyzed. The difference between the intraoperative cup orientation (navigation) and the postoperative cup position (CT) was evaluated. The average difference between intraoperative navigation and postoperative CT measurements was 2.8 degrees (SD+/-1.8 degrees ) for abduction and 2.2 degrees (SD+/-1.6 degrees ) for anteversion. Therefore, we recommend ultrasound-based navigation as an exact tool for cup positioning in THA.

Comparison between pointer-based and ultrasound-based navigation technique in THA using a minimally invasive approach.

The use of navigation techniques in primary total hip arthroplasty improves the position of endoprosthetic components, especially cup positioning. An intraoperative registration of the anterior pelvic plane is necessary to define the anteversion and inclination angles on the acetabular side. This study compares the accuracy of manual pointer palpation to ultrasound registration in navigation to determine pelvic plane registration in 60 cases of minimally invasive surgical technique. Findings show more accurate postoperative radiographic anteversion with ultrasound navigation, although both manual pointer palpation and ultrasound registration techniques show a very small standard deviation in anteversion, inclination, and leg length difference. In conclusion, we recommend navigation as a very reliable tool for the positioning of implants.

Diagnosis of periprosthetic infection following total hip arthroplasty--evaluation of the diagnostic values of pre- and intraoperative parameters and the associated strategy to preoperatively select patients with a high probability of joint infection.

BACKGROUND: The correct diagnosis of a prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is crucial for adequate surgical treatment. The detection may be a challenge since presentation and preoperative tests are not always obvious and precise. This prospective study was performed to evaluate a variety of pre- and intraoperative investigations. Furthermore a detailed evaluation of concordance of each preoperative diagnosis was performed, together with a final diagnosis to assess the accuracy of the pre-operative assumption of PJI. METHODS: Between 01/2005 and 02/2007, a prospective analysis was performed in 50 patients, who had a two stage revision because of assumed PJI. Based on clinical presentation, radiography, haematological screening, or early failure, infection was assumed and a joint aspiration was performed. Depending upon these findings, a two stage revision was performed, with intra-operative samples for culture and histological evaluation obtained. Final diagnosis of infection was based upon the interpretation of the clinical presentation and the pre- and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: In 37 patients a positive diagnosis of PJI could be made definitely. The histopathology yielded the highest accuracy (0.94) in identification of PJI and identified 35 of 37 infections (sensitivity 0.94, specificity 0.94, positive-/negative predictive value 0.97/0.86). Intra-operative cultures revealed sensitivities, specificities, positive-/negative predictive values and accuracy of 0.78, 0.92, 0.96, 0.63 and 0.82. These values for blood screening tests were 0.95, 0.62, 0.88, 0.80, and 0.86 respectively for the level of C-reactive protein, and 0.14, 0.92, 0.83, 0.29 and, 0.34 respectively for the white blood-cell count. The results of aspiration were 0.57, 0.5, 0.78, 0.29, and 0.54. CONCLUSION: The detection of PJI is still a challenge in clinical practice. The histopathological evaluation emerges as a highly practical diagnostic tool in detection of PJI. Furthermore, we found a discrepancy between the pre-operative suspicion of PJI and the final post-operative diagnosis, resulting in a slight uncertainty in whether loosening is due to bacterial infection or not. The variation in accuracy of the single tests may influence the detection of PJI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level I.