High-impact sport after hip resurfacing: The Ironman triathlon.

BACKGROUND: Returning to high-impact sport is an increasingly frequent functional demand following hip replacement. The literature, however, is sparse on the subject and nonexistent regarding triathlon. We therefore conducted a retrospective study of hip resurfacing in triathlon players, to determine: (1) whether it is possible to return to this kind of sport; (2) if so, whether it is possible to return to the same level; and (3) how a resurfaced hip behaves under these conditions. HYPOTHESIS: Hip resurfacing allows return to competition level in long-distance triathlon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center single-operator retrospective study included patients undergoing hip resurfacing with the Conserve Plus implant inserted through a posterolateral approach, who had ceased long-distance triathlon practice due to osteoarthritis of the hip. Fifty-one of the 1688 patients undergoing resurfacing during the inclusion period were long-distance triathlon players. RESULTS: The series comprised 48 patients: 51 implants; 43 male, 5 female; mean age, 44.8 years (range, 28.2-58.9 years). At a mean 4.7 years' follow-up (range, 2.2-7.6 years), all clinical scores showed significant improvement; Merle d'Aubigné and Harris scores rose respectively from 12.3 (5-16) and 42 (37-56) preoperatively to 17.5 (13-18) and 93.2 (73-100) (P<0.001). There were no cases of dislocation or implant revision. Forty-five patients returned to sport (94%). Rates of return to swimming, cycling and running were respectively 38/48 (79%), 41/48 (85%) and 33/48 (69%). Preoperatively, all patients had taken part in at least 1 competition: 29 with distance=70.3km and 19 with distance=140.6km. At follow-up, 28 patients had taken part in an Ironman competition: 21 with distance=70.3km and 7 with distance=140.6km. Mean competition performance did not differ between pre and postoperative periods. DISCUSSION: Return-to-sport rates were good following hip resurfacing. Non-impact sports (swimming, cycling) predominated postoperatively, whereas the rate of impact sport (running) diminished. Return to competition-level sport (extreme triathlon) was possible for 28/48 patients (58%). Implant survival seemed unaffected by this high-impact sports activity at a mean 4.7 years' follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective, non-controlled.

What are the risk factors for dislocation in primary total hip arthroplasty? A multicenter case-control study of 128 unstable and 438 stable hips.

INTRODUCTION: Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a leading reason for surgical revision. The risk factors for dislocation are controversial, particularly those related to the patient and to the surgical procedure itself. The differences in opinion on the impact of these factors stem from the fact they are often evaluated using retrospective studies or in limited patient populations. This led us to carry out a prospective case-control study on a large population to determine: 1) the risk factors for dislocation after THA, 2) the features of these dislocations, and 3) the contribution of patient-related factors and surgery-related factors. HYPOTHESIS: Risk factors for dislocation related to the patient and procedure can be identified using a large case-control study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, prospective case-control study was performed between January 1 and December 31, 2013. Four patients with stable THAs were matched to each patient with a dislocated THA. This led to 566 primary THA cases being included: 128 unstable, 438 stable. The primary matching factors were sex, age, initial diagnosis, surgical approach, implantation date and type of implants (bearing size, standard or dual-mobility cup). RESULTS: The patients with unstable THAs were 67±12 [37-73]years old on average; there were 61 women (48%) and 67 men (52%). Hip osteoarthritis (OA) was the main reason for the THA procedure in 71% (91/128) of the unstable group. The dislocation was posterior in 84 cases and anterior in 44 cases. The dislocation occurred within 3 months of the primary surgery in 48 cases (38%), 3 to 12 months after in 23 cases (18%), 1 to 5years after in 20 cases (16%), 5 to 10years after in 17 cases (13%) and more than 10years later in 20 cases. The dislocation recurred within 6 months of the initial dislocation in 23 of the 128 cases (18%). The risk factors for instability were a high ASA score with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.93 (95% CI: 1.4-2.6), neurological disability (cognitive, motor or psychiatric disorders) with an OR of 3.9 (95% CI: 2.15-7.1), history of spinal disease (lumbar stenosis, spinal fusion, discectomy, scoliosis and injury sequelae) with an OR of 1.89 (95% CI: 1.0-3.6), unrepaired joint capsule (all approaches) with an OR of 4.1 (95% CI: 2.3-7.37), unrepaired joint capsule (posterior approach) with an OR of 6.0 (95% CI: 2.2-15.9), and cup inclination outside Lewinnek's safe zone (30°-50°) with OR of 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4-4.0). DISCUSSION: This large comparative study isolated important patient-related factors for dislocation that surgeons must be aware of. We also found evidence that implanting the cup in 30° to 50° inclination has a major impact on preventing dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; case-control study.

Horizontal posterior hamstring harvest.

Harvesting of the gracilis and semi-tendinosus (ST) hamstring tendons is usually performed by anteromedial approach. Harvesting by a horizontal posterior approach is possible. Based on a series of 90 patients, this technical note describes the perioperative difficulties and the characteristics of the harvested tendon(s) as well as any complications. Only one unsuccessful harvest was reported. Posterior harvesting of the gracilis and ST hamstring tendons is a reliable, reproducible surgical technique with a low rate of complications.