Comparisons of Different Bearing Surfaces in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to make comparisons of different bearing surfaces in patients after cementless total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The network meta-analysis was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The primary outcomes were implant survival and Harris hip score (HHS). Secondary outcomes included linear wear rates and serum level of metal ions. Subgroup analyses were performed by: (1) classifying head sizes as small and large; (2) femoral heads as ceramic and metal; and (3) liners as metal, ceramic, polyethylene, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXP), or vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXPE). A total of 64 eligible RCTs with different bearings were assessed. Overall inconsistency and heterogeneity were acceptable. RESULTS: In the 10 years follow-up, metal-on-polythene and ceramic-on-polythene bearings with small heads showed higher risk for revisions compared with metal-on-HXP and ceramic-on-HXP bearings with small heads. Similarly, only metal or ceramic-on-polythene bearings with small heads showed inferiority in HHS compared with other bearings. Conventional polyethylene liners showed higher linear wear rates compared with HXP, HXPE, and ceramic liners at 5 and 10 years after surgery, while metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-metal bearings showed higher serum level of cobalt and chromium. CONCLUSION: Bearings containing HXP, HXPE, and ceramic liners showed comparable survivorship and hip function at follow-up of 5 and 10 years. Hard-on-hard bearings containing metal had higher serum level of metal ions than others. Bearings containing conventional polyethylene had worse performance in terms of implant survival, hip function, and wear rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

A genetic correlation scan identifies blood proteins associated with bone mineral density.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease that is characterized by low bone mass. However, limited efforts have been made to explore the functional relevance of the blood proteome to bone mineral density across different life stages. METHODS: Using genome-wide association study summary data of the blood proteome and two independent studies of bone mineral density, we conducted a genetic correlation scan of bone mineral density and the blood proteome. Linkage disequilibrium score regression analysis was conducted to assess genetic correlations between each of the 3283 plasma proteins and bone mineral density. RESULTS: Linkage disequilibrium score regression identified 18 plasma proteins showing genetic correlation signals with bone mineral density in the TB-BMD cohort, such as MYOM2 (coefficient = 0.3755, P value = 0.0328) among subjects aged 0 ~ 15, POSTN (coefficient = - 0.5694, P value = 0.0192) among subjects aged 30 ~ 45 and PARK7 (coefficient = - 0.3613, P value = 0.0052) among subjects aged over 60. CONCLUSIONS: Our results identified multiple plasma proteins associated with bone mineral density and provided novel clues for revealing the functional relevance of plasma proteins to bone mineral density.

WITHDRAWN: A deep learning framework for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections using X-ray images: a discovery and validation study.

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Cementless femoral stems with lower canal fill ratio have similar mid-term to long-term outcomes to those with adequate fill ratio in Dorr type C femurs.

BACKGROUND: Lower canal fill ratio was reported to correlate with aseptic loosening in many studies. However, the most widely used standard of fill ratio seemed inapplicable to Dorr type C femurs. We aimed to adapt the method of measuring the fill ratio in Dorr type C femurs and compare the outcomes among patients with different fill ratios. METHODS: Twenty patients with Corail stems implanted in their Dorr type C femurs received spectrum CT to evaluate the whole-stem's fill ratio. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between the fill ratio in X-ray film and spectrum CT. Then 87 THAs were involved in this study, divided into the fill ratio ≤ 80% group and the fill ratio > 80% group. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 8.2 years. RESULTS: Fill ratio at 2 cm below the lesser trochanter in anterior-posterior X-ray film correlated with the whole-stem's fill ratio (r = 0.50, P = 0.02). Survival rate of stem, function scores, and radiological outcomes between the two groups showed no significant difference. In the fill ratio > 80% group, intraoperative fracture was significantly higher (19% VS 5%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with lower fill ratios at 2 cm below the lesser trochanter did not have poorer functional scores or more subsidence, but had a lower intraoperative fracture rate. The revision rates of the two groups presented no significant difference, but this result need to be confirmed in larger cohort in the future. In Dorr type C femurs, risk of fracture and the special morphology of the femur should be noted, and high fill ratio is not the most decisive factor for stem size selecting.

Radiologic restoration inaccuracy increases postoperative dislocation in primary total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study with propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Dislocation is a complicated process and associated with multivariate etiology and risk factors. The purpose of this study was to verify if radiologic restoration inaccuracy increases postoperative dislocation in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) individually or synergistically. METHODS: From 2017 to 2020, we identified 76 (1.9%) patients who suffered postoperative dislocations from 3926 THAs in our institution. After excluded patients with previously proven patient-related and implant-related risk factors, the remaining patients were used to match a 1:1 control patients who were without dislocation. The cup position (inclination and anteversion angles), hip offset (HO), leg length discrepancy (LLD), and abductor lever arm (ALA) were analyzed by univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Measurements on radiographs showed excellent interobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.922-0.952) and intraobserver agreements (ICC 0.933-0.967). HO restoration inaccuracy (without ± 5 mm) was associated with higher dislocation risk (OR 4.241 95% CI 1.440-12.492, P = 0.009). The restoration inaccuracy of the cup position, LLD, or ALA could not increase the dislocation risk individually. When combining the radiologic restoration inaccuracy factors, the HO + LLD restoration inaccuracy and HO + ALA restoration inaccuracy increased the odds of postoperative dislocation (OR 12.056, 95% CI 1.409-103.127, P = 0.023; OR 4.770, 95% CI 1.336-17.028, P = 0.016, respectively). Combining the four risk factors of cup safe zone, HO, LLD, and ALA, patients with 3 or 4 radiologic restoration inaccuracy factors showed a higher risk of dislocation (OR 13.500, 95% CI 1.340-135.983, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Hip offset (HO) restoration inaccuracy increased the risk of dislocation following primary THA. Multivariate radiologic restoration accuracy is critical for the prevention of dislocation and needs to be valued by surgeons.

Same-day discharge arthroplasty has a higher overall complications rate than fast-track arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Published studies have reported many inconsistent results regarding the comparison of same-day discharge total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and inpatient TJA. More notably, many recent studies comparing same-day discharge TJA with fast-track TJA presented higher rates of complications for same-day discharge TJA, which raises concerns about the safety of same-day discharge TJA. METHODS: We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases up to June 2020 for studies comparing mortality, readmission, and complications in same-day discharge and inpatient total hip or knee arthroplasty. Studies that used inpatient TJA as the control could be further divided into fast-track inpatient TJA (length of stay [LOS] ≤ 2 days) and traditional inpatient TJA (no restrictions on LOS). Relative risks were pooled to compare the outcomes of the same-day discharge group and the control group. RESULTS: According to selection criteria and quality assessment, 14 studies including 222,766 cases were identified. There was no significant difference in the risk of mortality (RR = 1.42, CI [0.67, 3.01]) or readmission (RR = 0.93, CI [0.79, 1.10]) between same-day discharge TJA and inpatient TJA. Compared with fast-track TJA, the rate of overall complications in same-day discharge TJA was significantly higher (RR = 1.67, CI [1.45, 1.93]), while the rates of overall complications were similar between same-day discharge and traditional inpatient TJA (RR = 0.83, CI [0.67, 1.03]). CONCLUSION: The overall safety of same-day discharge TJA is satisfactory; however, more complications were detected in same-day discharge TJA than that in fast-track TJA. Complications in same-day discharge TJA might be underestimated in some previous studies taking long-staying inpatient TJA as control. Being more cautious about complications is necessary in the care of same-day discharge TJA, and extensive prospective studies are needed to explore the optimized option that weighs both cost and complications.

Preoperative bacteriuria positivity on urinalysis increases wound complications in primary total hip arthroplasty regardless of the urine culture result.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence does not recommend screening urine culture and curing asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) before joint arthroplasty. The bacteriuria count on pre-operative urinalysis is a more common clinical parameter. We aimed to investigate whether the bacteriuria count on preoperative urinalysis can increase postoperative wound complications in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study that included patients who underwent primary THA in our institution from 2012 to 2018. We obtained preoperative urinalysis results before THA during the same hospitalization and identified patients with abnormal urinalysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were first generated to evaluate the predicted value of leukocyte esterase (LE), nitrite, bacteriuria, and pyuria in the urinalysis for superficial wound infection. Then, all included patients were divided into two groups according to the preoperative urinalysis: a bacteriuria-positive group and a bacteriuria-negative group. The primary outcome was the superficial wound infection rate within 3 months postoperatively, and the secondary outcomes included wound leakage, prosthetic joint infection (PJI), pulmonary infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), readmission rate within 3 months postoperatively, and length of stay (LOS) during hospitalization. We utilized univariable analyses to compare the outcomes between the two groups. A multivariable logistic regression model was generated to explore the potential association between bacteriuria and the risk of superficial wound infection, wound leakage, and readmission rate controlling for baseline values. RESULTS: A total of 963 patients were included in the study. One hundred sixty patients had abnormal urinalysis. The AUCs for LE, nitrite, bacteriuria, and pyuria were 0.507 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.315 to 0.698), 0.551 (0.347 to 0.756), 0.675 (0.467 to 0.882), and 0.529 (0.331 to 0.728), respectively. Bacteriuria was diagnostically superior to LE, nitrite, and pyuria. Among the 963 patients, 95 had a positive bacteriuria on preoperative urinalysis, and only 9 (9.5%) had a positive urine culture. Compared with the bacteriuria-negative group, the bacteriuria-positive group had a higher superficial wound infection rate (4.2% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.008), higher wound leakage rate (11.6% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.007), higher readmission rate (5.3% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.015) within 3 months postoperatively and longer LOS (6.19 ± 2.89 days vs. 5.58 ± 2.14 days, P = 0.011). After adjustment, the bacteriuria-positive group had a significantly increased risk of superficial wound infection (OR = 7.587, 95%CI: 2.002 to 28.755, P = 0.003), wound leakage (OR = 3.044, 95%CI: 1.461 to 6.342, P = 0.003), and readmission (OR = 4.410, 95%CI: 1.485 to 13.097, P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Preoperative bacteriuria positivity on urinalysis significantly increased the risk of postoperative wound complications, readmission, and LOS in primary THA regardless of the result of the urine culture. Urinalysis is a fast and cost-acceptable test whose advantages have been underestimated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, observational study.

Clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty between direct anterior approach and posterior approach: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the direct anterior approach and posterior approach for primary total hip arthroplasty in terms of the clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases and Cochrane Library from their inception to November 1, 2019. We searched for previously published articles and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: A total of 7 randomized controlled trials with 600 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among these patients, 301 and 299 were included in the DAA and PA groups, respectively. The DAA was associated with a longer surgery by a mean duration of 13.74 min (95% CI 6.88 to 20.61, p < 0.0001, I2 = 93%). The postoperative early functional outcomes were significantly better in the DAA group than in the PA group, such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score at 1 day postoperatively (MD = -0.65, 95% CI - 0.91 to - 0.38, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), VAS score at 2 days postoperatively (MD = -0.67, 95% CI - 1.34 to - 0.01, p = 0.05, I2 = 88%) and Harris Hip Score (HHS) at 6 weeks postoperatively (MD = 6.05, 95% CI 1.14 to 10.95, p = 0.02, I2 = 52%). There was no significant difference between the DAA and PA groups in the length of the incision, hospital length of stay (LOS), blood loss, transfusion rates or complication rates. We found no significant difference between the two groups regarding late functional outcomes, such as the VAS score at 12 months postoperatively or the HHS scores at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. A significant difference in the radiographic outcomes was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: The DAA requires a longer surgery time than does the PA in primary total hip arthroplasty. The DAA yields better early functional recovery than does the PA. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of other clinical, complication-related, late functional or radiographic outcomes. The evidence on the superiority of the DAA is insufficient and needs to be studied further.

Acetabular Anatomical Parameters in Patients With Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is an increasing worldwide health problem. However, about 30% of the patients are diagnosed with idiopathic ONFH, which means no underlying etiology is identified. We hypothesized that acetabular anatomical abnormalities might be related to idiopathic ONFH. METHODS: This retrospective, 1:2 matched, case-control study included 101 patients (136 hips) with idiopathic ONFH and 202 control subjects (404 hips) matched for age, gender, and body mass index who had no apparent radiographic hip pathologies. The anteroposterior pelvic X-rays of the patients and control subjects were used to measure the anatomical parameters including the center-edge angle, the sharp angle, the acetabular depth ratio (ADR), and the acetabular head index (AHI). RESULTS: We found that hips with idiopathic osteonecrosis had less acetabular coverage, lower center-edge angle (28.3° vs 32.3°, P < .001), acetabular depth ratio (298.0 vs 306.4, P = .006), and acetabular head index (82.2 vs 85.8, P < .001), and higher sharp angle (39.7° vs 38.0°, P < .001), compared with the control subjects. The incidence of acetabular dysplasia was also higher in the idiopathic ONFH group than the control group. CONCLUSION: Less acetabular coverage was found in hips with idiopathic osteonecrosis than the control subjects. Less acetabular coverage may be associated with the development of ONFH in East Asian population.

Patient-specific instrument for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty does not reduce the outliers in alignment or improve postoperative function: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Unsatisfactory alignment in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is one potential cause of postoperative failure. Patient-specific instruments (PSIs) are designed to improve the alignment of the prostheses, but the effect of PSIs on the alignment or clinical outcome is controversial and lacks validated evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to determine the effect of PSIs on UKA outcomes for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI (Chinese database) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to June 2019) was performed to collect studies that compared PSIs with conventional instruments. Two reviewers independently screened all the records on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality assessments with Cochrane's quality assessment tool or Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) were conducted, the data were extracted, and statistical analyses were completed. RESULTS: Ten studies with 444 knees were included. The meta-analysis confirmed that PSIs contributed to reduced errors in the alignment of the femoral compartment in the sagittal plane (mean difference = - 2.53, CI [- 3.14, - 1.99], P < 0.01) and the tibial compartment in both the coronal (mean difference = - 0.97, CI [- 1.44, - 0.49], P < 0.01) and the sagittal plane (mean difference = - 1.29, CI [- 1.81, - 0.76], P < 0.01). One study supported that PSIs reduced outliers in inexperienced surgeons; however, all studies investigating PSIs among experienced surgeons suggested that PSIs cannot reduce the percentage of outliers. There was no significant difference in the postoperative score (mean difference = - 0.06, CI [- 0.36, 0.23], P = 0.68) or rate of complications (RR = 1.02, CI [0.15, 6.79], P = 0.99) between PSIs and conventional instruments. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest PSIs could not reduce the percentage of outliers in UKA patients for experts, and postoperative scores and complication rates are not improved by PSIs, compared with conventional instruments. Based on this meta-analysis and systematic review, no practical benefit to UKAs in experts was detected in PSIs. The findings of this study also suggest that PSIs improved alignment of UKA and might be beneficial to inexperienced surgeons, but it is still unclear whether this improvement is clinically significant and the evidence of inexperienced surgeons is limited. Therefore, more high-quality RCTs are need to be carried out in the future.

The incidence of symptomatic in-hospital VTEs in Asian patients undergoing joint arthroplasty was low: a prospective, multicenter, 17,660-patient-enrolled cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the real incidence of symptomatic in-hospital venous thromboembolism (VTE) and identify risk factors for VTEs in Asian patients undergoing total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A total of 17,660 patients (20,078 hips and knees) undergoing THA and TKA at 78 hospitals were enrolled. The composite incidence of symptomatic in-hospital DVT and PE was identified as the primary effectiveness outcomes. The primary safety outcomes were the incidences of postoperative complications, especially for major or minor bleeding. Secondary analyses were assessed to identify the risk factors for postoperative VTE. RESULTS: The overall rates of symptomatic in-hospital DVT in patients undergoing THA and TKA were 0.21% (19/9022) and 0.36% (31/8638), respectively. Symptomatic PE was confirmed in one TKA patient. Safety analysis showed that the incidence of bleeding during hospital stays in patients undergoing THA and TKA was 0.10% (18/17,660). Increased VTE risks were associated with old age, high BMI index, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, history of venous thromboembolism and no medical prophylaxis usage. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of symptomatic VTEs in Asian regions was low compared with that reported in studies targeting Western populations. Approximately 1 in 500 patients undergoing THA and approximately 1 in 300 patients undergoing TKA developed symptomatic VTEs prior to hospital discharge. Old age, high BMI, history of venous thromboembolism, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and no medication prophylaxis were risk factors identified in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study; Level 2.

Performance of Sequencing Assays in Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: A prompt, accurate diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) allows early treatment, and with identification of the causative organism, sensitive antibiotics could be applied. However, routine methods cannot identify the causative organism under certain circumstances. Gene sequencing assays have unique superiority in promptness and broad coverage of pathogens, but evidence of its accuracy is quite limited. METHODS: Of 247 citations identified for screening, 12 studies with 1965 patients in total were included. The diagnostic value of sequencing assays in PJI was systematically reviewed. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Pooled sensitivity was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.87); pooled specificity was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91-0.97); positive likelihood ratio was 14.2 (95% CI, 8.7-23.4); negative likelihood ratio was 0.20 (95% CI, 0.14-0.29); and the area under the curve was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.18-1.00). The results of subgroup analysis revealed that antibiotics reduced the sensitivity of sequencing-based diagnosis compared with withholding antibiotics before sampling (0.71 vs 0.94). In another subgroup analysis, sequencing by synthesis (Illumina sequencing) had better specificity than other next-generation sequencing methods (0.963 vs 0.829) and specificity similar to time-consuming and laborious Sanger sequencing (0.963 vs 0.967). CONCLUSION: Sequencing assays had favorable diagnostic accuracy of PJI. When sequencing assays were applied to diagnosing PJI, an antibiotic-free interval before sampling may enhance the ability to detect the causative organism and, among next-generation sequencing methods, sequencing by synthesis seemed to have advantages over other methods in specificity.

The effect of post-operative limb positioning on blood loss and early outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of three different post-operative limb positions in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The trial was a single-surgeon, randomized, controlled trial, and 135 patients following primary TKA were randomized into three groups: group A (45 patients who were treated with the hip fixed at 50° and knee flexed at 90° for 6 hours post-operatively), group B (45 patients who were treated with the hip elevated at 30° and knee flexed at 45° for 6 hours  post-operatively), and group C (45 patients in whom the affected knee was fully extended after surgery). Tranexamic acid was used in all patients. RESULTS: The total blood loss and hidden blood loss in group A (921 ± 209 mL, 597 ± 213 mL) were significantly less than in groups B (1125 ± 222 mL, 784 ± 229 mL) and C (1326 ± 291 mL, 915 ± 301 mL) and less in group B compared with group C. The drain volume in groups A (158 ± 35 mL) and B (174 ± 45 mL) was significantly lower than in group C (249 ± 31 mL). The maximum haemoglobin drop in group A (3.1 ± 0.5 g/dL) was statistically significantly less than in groups B (3.6 ± 0.7 g/dL) and C (4.3 ± 0.4 g/dL). The range of motion (ROM) in groups A (102 ± 3°, 105 ± 2°) and B (100 ± 3°, 104 ± 2°) was significantly better than in group C (98 ± 3°, 102 ± 2°) at the time of discharge and one  month after surgery; it was also significantly less for group A (104.9 ± 2.1%, 108.0 ± 2.4%) compared with groups B (106.7 ± 3.1%, 108.3 ± 2.7%) and C (108.4 ± 3.2%, 110.6 ± 3.0%) with post-operative knee swelling. No differences in transfusion requirements and complications were observed among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The affected knee flexion position was superior to the use of a fully extended position for blood management, but it only contributed to better early functional recovery up to three  months post-operatively in TKA. In addition, by fixing the affected knee at a high flexion position of 90°, patients could achieve less blood loss, lower knee swelling, and better early results for ROM and patient satisfaction than the other two groups.

The efficacy and safety of combined administration of intravenous and topical tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The combined administration of intravenous (IV) and topical tranexamic acid (TXA) in primary total knee (TKA) knee remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of combined administration of IV and topical TXA in primary TKA. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Google Search Engine and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were comparing the combined administration of IV and topical TXA following primary TKA. The primary outcomes were total blood loss, maximum hemoglobin drop, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). The second outcomes were drainage volume and transfusion requirements. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: A total of 6 RCTs involving 701 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The combined group provided lower total blood loss (MD - 156.34 mL, 95% CI, - 241.51 to - 71.18; P = 0.0003), drainage volume (MD - 43.54 mL, 95% CI, - 67.59 to - 19.48; P = 0.0004), maximum hemoglobin drop (MD - 0.56 g/dl, 95% CI, - 0.93 to - 0.19; P = 0.003) than IV TXA alone. No significant difference were found in terms of transfusion requirements (RR 0.48, 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.44; P = 0.19), DVT (RR 1.01, 95% CI, 0.14 to 7.12; P = 0.99) and PE (RR 0.33, 95% CI, 0.01 to 7.91; P = 0.49) between the two group. Subgroup analyses shows that the combined group was less total blood loss in non-tourniquet (P = 0.0008), topical TXA dose > 1.5 g (P <  0.00001) and number of IV TXA ≥ 2 doses (P = 0.005) of TXA compared with the IV group alone. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence indicates combined group were associated with lower total blood loss, drainage volume, and maximum hemoglobin drop. A similar transfusion requirement was found in both groups. Subgroup analyses demonstrates that total blood loss was less in patients with non-tourniquet, topical TXA dose > 1.5 g and number of IV TXA ≥ 2 doses of TXA. There was no increase the rates of DVT and PE.

Perioperative multiple low-dose Dexamethasones improves postoperative clinical outcomes after Total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of multiple low-dose dexamethasones in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: One hundred fifty patients were equally randomized into 3 groups: Group A (n = 50) received 2 doses of normal saline only; Group B (n = 50) received with 1 dose of intravenous dexamethasone and 1 dose of normal saline; Group C (n = 50) received with 2 doses of intravenous dexamethasone. The clinical outcomes and complications were assessed. RESULTS: The CRP and IL-6 were significantly lower in Group C and B than Group A at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively (P < 0.001 for all). The intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in Group C was lower than Group A at 24 (P < 0.001, P = 0.002), 48 (P = 0.005, P = 0.041) and 72 h (P = 0.017, P = 0.031) postoperatively and Group B at 24 h (P = 0.027, P = 0.019) postoperatively. Pain were significantly less in Group C than Group A at 24 (P < 0.001), 48 h (P = 0.037) postoperatively and Group B 24 h (P = 0.030) postoperatively. Patients in Group C had better range of motion (ROM) and satisfaction than Group A (P < 0.001, P = 0.002) and B (P = 0.001, P = 0.043). No differences were found in complications. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 10 mg dexamethasone 1 h before the surgery, and repeated at 6 h postoperatively can significantly reduce the level of postoperative CRP and IL-6 and the incidence of PONV, relieve pain, achieve an additional analgesic effect, and improve the early ROM compared with the other two groups in TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( ChiCTR1800017036 ). Registered on July 9, 2018.

Effect of knee flexion position and combined application of tranexamic acid on blood loss following primary total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between tranexamic acid (TXA)-combined application and knee flexion in the first 24 hour post-operatively that could reduce total blood loss and transfusion need in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), without sacrificing safety. METHODS: Ninety TKA patients were divided into three groups randomly: the flexion group: the knee was in 90° flexion position for the first 12 hour post-surgery and kept at 60°for the next 12 hour, combined with 1 g TXA topical and 1 g TXA intravenous application. The extension group: the knee was in fully extension position post-operatively, combined with topical and intravenous TXA application. The controlled group: the knee was in fully extension position post-operatively combined with single intravenous TXA application. The primary outcomes included blood loss variables and transfusion values. The secondary outcomes included post-operative hospital stay, knee flexion degree, complication rate, and hospital charge. RESULTS: The total blood loss and transfusion needs in the flexion group were significantly reduced in comparison with that in the extension group and controlled group. The post-operative knee flexion motion was significant higher in the flexion group than the other two groups. There was no difference among the three groups with regard to the rates of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Keeping the knee in flexion position combined with topical and intravenous TXA application in patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA significantly reduced post-operative bleeding and the transfusion rate compared with what was found after treatment with extension knee position or single intravenous TXA application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I.

WITHDRAWN: The Congruence and Joint Space Width of the Lateral Compartment Can Be Restored After Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.

The Efficacy and Safety of Combination of Intravenous and Topical Tranexamic Acid in Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with substantial blood loss and a high probability of blood transfusion in the perioperative period. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination of intravenous (IV) and topical tranexamic acid (TXA) in revision THA. METHODS: Eighty-four consecutive patients undergoing revision THA were randomized into combined group and IV-TXA group. Patients in the combined group were given intravenously 15 mg/kg TXA as a preoperative, and topical TXA solution was applied at a concentration of 3 g TXA per 100-mL saline during the different procedure points. Patients in the IV-TXA group were given intravenously 15 mg/kg TXA alone. RESULTS: The mean total blood loss, drainage volume, and maximum hemoglobin drop were significantly lower in the combined group than the IV-TXA group (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, respectively). Compared with the IV-TXA group, the amount of blood transfusions and number of blood transfusions required were decreased dramatically in the combined group (P = .027, P < .001, respectively). One deep vein thrombosis and 4 calf muscular vein thrombosis in the combined group and 3 calf muscular vein thrombosis in the IV-TXA were detected by the Doppler ultrasound. No pulmonary embolism was observed and no significant differences were found in other complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that combined administration of IV and topical TXA in revision THA can effectively decrease total blood loss and number of blood transfusions required without increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis or/and pulmonary embolism compared with IV-TXA alone.

Exploring Causal Relationships between Leukocyte Telomere Length, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels, and Osteoporosis Using Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian Randomization.

OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence supports that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) may be positively associated with healthy living and inversely correlated with the risk of age-related diseases, including osteoporosis. Furthermore, it is important to note that sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels play a crucial role in the regulation of osteoporosis by influencing the availability of sex hormones. Hence, this study holds significant importance as it aims to unravel the roles of LTL and SHBG levels and determine which one acts as a predominant intermediary factor in influencing osteoporosis. Using Mendelian randomization (MR), we can gain valuable insights into the intricate relationships between aging, sex hormones, and bone health. METHODS: Univariable and multivariable and MR analyses were employed in this study. First, we used genetic variants associated with both LTL, as determined from a study involving 472,174 European participants by Codd et al., and SHBG levels, as identified in a study conducted by Ruth et al. with 370,125 participants, as instrumental variables (IVs). Then we aimed to establish a causal relationship between LTL and SHBG levels and their potential impact on osteoporosis using univariable MR. Finally, we conducted multivariable MR to provide insights into the independent and combined effects of LTL, SHBG levels on osteoporosis risk. We used various MR methods, with the primary analysis employing the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) model. RESULTS: Univariable MR analysis reveals a potential causal effect of longer LTL on reduced risk of osteoporosis [odds ratio (OR): 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73-0.99; p = 0.03]. Conversely, higher genetically determined SHBG levels affect the risk of osteoporosis positively. (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.09-1.75; p < 0.01). We observed a negative causal effect for LTL on the occurrence of SHBG (OR: 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98, p < 0.01). After adjustment of using multivariable MR, the causal effect of LTL on osteoporosis (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.84-1.03; p = 0.14), and the effect of SHBG on osteoporosis (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.16-1.75; p < 0.01) were observed. CONCLUSION: Longer LTL may confer a protective effect against osteoporosis. Additionally, the levels of SHBG appear to play a crucial role in mediating the relationship between LTL and osteoporosis. By understanding the interplay between these factors, we can gain valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying bone health and aging and potentially identify new avenues for prevention and intervention strategies.

Comparison of clinical outcomes among total knee arthroplasties using posterior-stabilized, cruciate-retaining, bi-cruciate substituting, bi-cruciate retaining designs: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advent of innovative knee prosthesis design, a consistent first-option knee implant design in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remained unsettled. This study aimed to compare the clinical effects among posterior-stabilized (PS), cruciate-retaining (CR), bi-cruciate substituting (BCS), and bi-cruciate retaining designs for primary TKA. METHODS: Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies from inception up to July 30, 2021. The primary outcomes were the range of knee motion (ROM), and the secondary outcomes were the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complication and revision rates. Confidence in evidence was assessed using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis. The Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed for synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 15 RCTs and 18 cohort studies involving 3520 knees were included. The heterogeneity and inconsistency were acceptable. There was a significant difference in ROM at the early follow-up when PS was compared with CR (mean difference [MD] = 3.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07, 7.18) and BCS was compared with CR (MD = 9.69, 95% CI 2.18, 17.51). But at the long-term follow-up, there was no significant difference in ROM in any one knee implant compared with the others. No significant increase was found in the PROMs and complication and revision rates at the final follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: At early follow-up after TKA, PS and BCS knee implants significantly outperform the CR knee implant in ROM. But in the long run, the available evidence suggests different knee prostheses could make no difference in clinical outcomes after TKA with extended follow-up.