Caregiver Experiences Using Orthotic Treatment Options for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children.

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common condition affecting 5 in 1000 newborns. The standard first line of treatment is the use of an orthotic, which has generally high success rates, but can pose substantial difficulties and put undue burden on caregivers. The general experience of caregivers using these orthotics has not been well documented on an orthotic-specific basis. The purpose of this study was to investigate caregiver experience using prescribed DDH orthotics to identify challenges, differences between treatment options, and areas of improvement. METHODS: A survey assessing treatment prescription, respondent demographics, and caregiver experience was distributed online to caregivers whose child/children were treated for DDH with an orthotic. Seven-point positively phrased Likert scale statements and open-ended questions were included to assess caregiver experience. The results were analyzed using summary statistics and orthotics with more than 30 responses were selected for more in-depth analysis. RESULTS: A total of 530 survey responses were collected with 63% (334/530) of respondents using a Pavlik harness, 45% (236/530) a Rhino brace, and 13% (67/530) a Denis Browne Bar. The overall weighted average score across all Likert Scale statements was positive for the Pavlik harness, Rhino brace, and Denis Browne Bar at 4.19 (95% CI, 3.83 to 4.54), 4.63 (95% CI, 4.27 to 4.99) and 4.91 (95% CI, 4.58 to 5.24), respectively. In the open-ended responses, all 3 orthotics were perceived as easy to use and not hindering child-caregiver bonding, but raised concerns of discomfort and skin irritation, as well as preventing the ability to cuddle their child the way they desired. The Pavlik harness respondents consistently brought up concerns regarding cleanability. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the DDH orthotics analyzed are generally easy to use and perceived positively by caregivers, but have orthotic-specific challenges that should be a focus of future improvement work. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study evaluated opinions and attitudes of caregivers for children being treated with DDH orthotics, revealing experiences, concerns, and challenges associated with the use of commonly prescribed options.

The cost of outpatient versus inpatient total hip arthroplasty: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: One route to mitigate the increasing costs of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is outpatient THA, discharging patients on the same day as their surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of outpatient THA to standard overnight stay in hospital. METHODS: This was a preliminary analysis of the first group of patients to complete follow-up in a larger randomized controlled trial among patients who underwent primary THA through a direct anterior approach between June 2015 and November 2017. The study was conducted at a single centre among patients of 1 fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeon. We randomly allocated participants to be discharged either as outpatients or on postsurgery day 1 using a modified Zelen consent model. Adverse events were recorded. Participants completed cost questionnaires 2, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before and 12 weeks after surgery. We performed cost analyses from health care payer and societal perspectives. RESULTS: A total of 115 participants completed this study, 49 allocated to the outpatient group and 56 to the inpatient group. The adverse event rate was similar for the 2 groups. The WOMAC total score and function subscale score were higher for the outpatient group than the inpatient group at 12 weeks (mean difference 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0 to 4.1, and 6.5, 95% CI 0.4 to 12.5, respectively). From both a health care payer and a societal perspective, inpatient THA was more costly than outpatient THA (mean difference $1006.86, 95% CI -$2158.92 to $145.21, and $1667.40, 95% CI -$3856.64 to $521.84, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that outpatient THA may be a cost-saving procedure compared to inpatient THA from both health care payer and societal perspectives. Further study with larger samples is needed to provide more precision around our estimates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT03026764.

Assessment of Informal Caregiver Assistance and Strain With Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study is to assess which patient-related and caregiver-related factors are predictive of caregiver strain and assistance when caring for total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) patients within 2 weeks after surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of caregivers of participants enrolled in 2 randomized trials. Caregivers provided demographics and completed the Caregiver Strain Index and Caregiver Assistance Scale pre-surgery and post-surgery. We performed backwards stepwise regression with mixed-effects negative binomial models to investigate predictors of caregiver strain and assistance for THA and TKA caregivers. RESULTS: Three hundred six caregiver/patient pairs were included. Our models of caregiver strain found Caregiver Assistance Scale scores and patient age to be predictive for all caregivers. We also found caregiver gender and smoking status to be predictive for THA caregivers and caregiver age to be predictive for TKA caregivers. Our models of assistance provided by caregivers found time (post-surgery vs pre-surgery) was predictive for all caregivers. We also found patient body mass index, and patient and caregiver gender to be predictive for THA caregivers, and patient and caregiver employment status and caregiver education level to be predictive for TKA caregivers. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies patient-related and caregiver-related factors which are associated with caregiver strain and assistance when caring for arthroplasty patients. As this is the first study to assess assistance provided by caregivers, it is important for future research to validate our results and to further explore whether patient-reported outcomes may also be related to assistance and strain.

A Randomized Trial Investigating the Cost-Utility of Patient-Specific Instrumentation in Total Knee Arthroplasty in an Obese Population.

BACKGROUND: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been introduced in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with the goal of increased accuracy of component positioning by custom fitting cutting guides to the patient's bony anatomy. A criticism of this technology is the associated cost. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the cost-utility of PSI compared with standard of care (SOC) instrumentation for TKA in an obese population. METHODS: Patients with body mass index greater than 30 with osteoarthritis and undergoing primary TKA were randomized to SOC or PSI. Patients completed a health care resource use diary and the EuroQol-5D at three, six, nine, and 12 months and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index at three and 12 months postsurgery. We performed cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses from public health care payer and societal perspectives. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three patients were included in the analysis with 86 patients randomized to PSI and 87 to SOC. PSI was dominated (more costly and less effective) by SOC from a health care payer perspective. From a societal perspective, an incremental cost-utility ratio was calculated at $11,230.00 per quality-adjusted life year gained, which is cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of $50,000. Net benefit analyses found PSI was not significantly cost-effective at any willingness to pay value from either perspective. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that widespread adoption of PSI may not be economically attractive or clinically indicated. Future considerations are to compare long-term clinical outcomes and radiographic alignment between the groups.

Perioperative gait analysis after total hip arthroplasty: Does outpatient surgery compromise patient outcomes?

Background: There has been a continuing trend toward decreasing the length of hospital stay for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). We aimed to investigate the impact of timing of discharge on gait and patient-reported outcomes early after THA. Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study conducted from May 2014 to November 2015, we measured gait velocity, stride length, single-limb support and single-limb support symmetry in adults aged 18-75 years before direct anterior THA, at discharge from the hospital, and 2, 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Patients were discharged on the same day as surgery (outpatient group) or stayed at least 1 night in hospital (inpatient group). Participants also completed the Timed Up and Go test (all postoperative time points) and a series of questionnaires (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [6 and 12 wk], 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [2, 6 and 12 wk], Harris Hip Score [12 wk] and a pain visual analogue scale [all postoperative time points]). Results: Thirty-six participants were enrolled in the study, of whom 16 were outpatients and 20 were inpatients. The mean pain rating at the time of discharge was lower in the outpatient group than in the inpatient group (adjusted mean difference -1.5, 95% confidence interval -3.0 to 0.0). We found no other significant differences between the groups for any gait, patient-reported or surgical outcome. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in gait or patient-reported outcomes after direct anterior THA between patients who stayed overnight and those who were discharged as outpatients. Patients discharged as outpatients were younger than those who stayed overnight. Our results suggest that discharging patients as an outpatient after direct anterior THA may have a similar impact on patient function and outcomes as a standard overnight stay in hospital.

A protocol for a randomized controlled trial investigating the safety and cost-effectiveness of outpatient total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of the overall cost of total hip arthroplasty (THA) results from the inpatient hospital stay following the procedure. Considering the substantial and increasing number of these procedures performed annually, shifting to an outpatient model of care where the patient is discharged home the same day as their surgery represents a potential for significant cost savings. The potential significant impact of an outpatient care model on constrained healthcare budgets and lack of high-quality evidence regarding its effectiveness warrants a rigorous comparative trial. The purpose of this prospective, randomized controlled trial is to evaluate outpatient care pathways for THA. Specifically, our objectives are to compare the rate of serious adverse events and estimate the cost-effectiveness of outpatient compared to standard inpatient THA. METHODS: We will include patients undergoing primary THA whom have an American Society of Anaesthetists status equal to or less than three, live within a 60-min driving distance of the institution and have an adult to accompany them home postoperatively and stay with them overnight. Consenting patients will be randomized to be discharged on the same day as surgery, as outpatients, or as inpatients according to standard of care (minimum of one night in hospital) using a modified Zelen consent model. The primary outcome measure is the incidence of serious adverse events at 30 days postoperative. Participants and their caregivers will complete secondary outcomes measures at each follow-up visit including patient-reported outcome measures and self-reported cost questionnaires. DISCUSSION: This protocol is the first randomized trial to use blinding to evaluate outpatient THA compared to standard overnight stay and first to prospectively perform a full economic evaluation. It is also the first adequately powered trial to prospectively assess the safety of outpatient THA. Successful completion of this study could have the potential to provide clinical evidence for the role of outpatient THA in current practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03026764 ) on March 9th, 2016.

Are we missing the target? Are we aiming too low? What are the aerobic exercise prescriptions and their effects on markers of cardiovascular health and systemic inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We systemically reviewed published studies that evaluated aerobic exercise interventions in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) to: (1) report the frequency, intensity, type and time (FITT) of exercise prescriptions and (2) quantify the changes in markers of cardiovascular health and systemic inflammation. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus; inception to January 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials (RCT), cohort studies, case series. DESIGN: We summarised exercise prescriptions for all studies and calculated effect sizes with 95% CIs for between-group (RCTs that compared exercise and control groups) and within-group (pre-post exercise) differences in aerobic capacity (VO2), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha). We pooled results where possible using random effects models. RESULTS: Interventions from 49 studies were summarised; 8% (4/49) met all FITT guidelines; 16% (8/49) met all or most FITT guidelines. Fourteen studies (10 RCTs) reported at least one marker of cardiovascular health or systemic inflammation. Mean differences (95% CI) indicated a small to moderate increase in VO2 (0.84 mL/min/kg; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.31), decrease in HR (-3.56 beats per minute; 95% CI -5.60 to -1.52) and DBP (-4.10 mm Hg; 95% CI -4.82 to -3.38) and no change in SBP (-0.36 mm Hg; 95% CI -3.88 to 3.16) and IL-6 (0.37 pg/mL; 95% CI -0.11 to 0.85). Within-group differences were also small to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: In studies of aerobic exercise in patients with knee OA, very few interventions met guideline-recommended dose; there were small to moderate changes in markers of cardiovascular health and no decrease in markers of systemic inflammation. These findings question whether aerobic exercise is being used to its full potential in patients with knee OA. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018087859.

Management of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocations in paediatric patients: study protocol for a prospective global multicentre observational cohort registry.

INTRODUCTION: Management controversy and clinical equipoise exist in treatments of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocation in paediatric patients due to the lack of high-quality clinical evidence. This protocol describes the effort of a large prospective global multicentre cohort study (registry) aiming at providing quality data to assist evidence-based treatment decision-making. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Eligible paediatric patients (N=750-1000) with open physes suffering from proximal humerus fractures, distal humerus fractures, proximal radius fractures, forearm shaft fractures, traumatic hip dislocations, femoral neck fractures or tibial shaft fractures will be recruited over a period of 24-36 months. Hospitalisation and treatment details (including materials and implants) will be captured in a cloud-based, searchable database. Outcome measures include radiographic assessments, clinical outcomes (such as range of motion, limb length discrepancies and implant removal), patient-reported outcomes (Patient Reported Outcomes Of Fracture, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-Y)) and adverse events.Aside from descriptive statistics on patient demographics, baseline characteristics, types of fractures and adverse event rates, research questions will be formulated based on data availability and quality. A statistical analysis plan will be prepared before the statistical analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval will be obtained before patients are enrolled at each participating site. Patient enrolment will follow an informed consent process approved by the responsible ethics committee. Peer-reviewed publication is planned to disseminate the study results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04207892.

Comparison of brace to observation in stable, radiological developmental dysplasia of the hip: a protocol for a global multicentre non-inferiority randomised trial.

INTRODUCTION: Brace treatment is common to address radiological dysplasia in infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH); however, it is unclear whether bracing provides significant benefit above careful observation by ultrasound. If observation alone is non-inferior to bracing for radiological dysplasia, unnecessary treatment may be avoided. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether observation is non-inferior to bracing for infants with radiological dysplasia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This will be a multicentre, global, randomised, non-inferiority trial performed under the auspices of a global prospective registry for infants and children diagnosed with DDH. Patients will be included if they present with radiological dysplasia (centred hip, alpha angle 43-60°, percent femoral head coverage greater than 35% measured on ultrasound) of a clinically stable hip under 3 months old. Patients will be excluded if they present with clinical hip instability, have received prior treatment or have known/suspected neuromuscular, collagen, chromosomal or lower-extremity congenital abnormalities or syndromic-associated hip abnormalities. Patients will be enrolled and randomised to undergo observation alone or brace treatment with a Pavlik harness for a minimum of 6 weeks. Follow-up visits will occur at 6 weeks, 1 year and 2 years post-enrolment. The primary outcome will be the norm-referenced acetabular index measured on the 2-year radiograph with a 3° non-inferiority margin. A total of 514 patients will be included.The study is anticipated to start in April 2024 and end in September 2028.The primary outcome will be compared between arms with a mixed-effects model with a random intercept for study centre, and a single covariate for the treatment group. If the lower bound of the 95% CI lies within 3° of the mean, we will treat this as evidence for non-inferiority. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been obtained from the lead site's ethics board (University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Research Ethics Board). Ethics approval will be obtained from the local ethics committees or institutional review boards at each institution prior to patient enrolment. It is intended that the results of this study shall be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at suitable conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05869851.

Risk Factor Analysis for Growth Arrest in Paediatric Physeal Fractures-A Prospective Study.

Background: Fractures through the physis account for 18-30% of all paediatric fractures, leading to growth arrest in up to 5.5% of cases. We have limited knowledge to predict which physeal fractures result in growth arrest and subsequent deformity or limb length discrepancy. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with physeal growth arrest to improve patient outcomes. Methods: This prospective cohort study was designed to develop a clinical prediction model for growth arrest after physeal injury. Patients ≤ 18 years old presenting within four weeks of injury were enrolled if they had open physes and sustained a physeal fracture of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia or fibula. Patients with prior history of same-site fracture or a condition known to alter bone growth or healing were excluded. Demographic data, potential prognostic indicators, and radiographic data were collected at baseline, during healing, and at one- and two-years post-injury. Results: A total of 332 patients had at least six months of follow-up or a diagnosis of growth arrest within six months of injury. In a comparison analysis, patients who developed growth arrest were more likely to be older (12.8 years vs. 9.4 years) and injured on the right side (53.0% vs. 45.7%). Initial displacement and angulation rates were higher in the growth arrest group (59.0% vs. 47.8% and 47.0% vs. 38.8%, respectively), but the amount of angulation was similar (27.0° vs. 28.4°). Rates of growth arrest were highest in distal femoral fractures (86%). Conclusions: The incidence of growth arrest in this patient population appears higher than the past literature reports at 30.1%. However, there may be variances in diagnostic criteria for growth arrest, and the true incidence may be lower. A number of patients were approaching skeletal maturity, and any growth arrest is likely to have less clinical significance in these cases. Further prospective long-term follow-up is required to determine risk factors, incidence, and true clinical impact of growth arrest when it does occur.

The Natural History of Non-operatively Managed Legg-Calvé-Perthes' Disease.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of Legg-Calvé-Perthes' disease (LCPD) among children from British Columbia (BC), Canada who were treated non-operatively and to compare the results to a previously conducted study in India. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients treated non-operatively for LCPD in BC between 1990 and 2006 compared with a cohort from India. Demographic and treatment information were collected from medical records. Radiographs were assigned modified Waldenstrom, Catterall, Salter-Thompson and Herring classifications and intra- and interobserver reliability were assessed. We evaluated epiphyseal extrusion (EE) and metaphyseal width (MW), and assessed radiographs using the Mose and modified Stulberg classifications. Results: 102 hips (90 patients) had radiographs available for evaluation. 95% of the BC cohort presented as Waldenstrom stages I and II, whereas, 90% of the Indian cohort presented as IIIa. Final EE was similar for both groups (BC 26.8%, India 27.3%) and final MW was 119% in both groups. Modified Waldenstrom and Herring classifications had substantial intra- and interobserver reliability, while Salter-Thompson and Catterall classifications had moderate agreement at best. Most hips were Catterall IV (80%) and Herring C (89%) for the BC cohort compared to only 44% and 43% of Indian hips, respectively. Most hips were irregular according to the Mose classification (BC 43%, India 52%) and aspherical according to the Stulberg classification (BC 78%). Conclusions: We found similar radiographic progression and final radiographic appearances of LCPD in India and BC though differences in the distribution of the classification systems warrant further study. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00543-x.

Effects of Surgical Approach and Tourniquet Use on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful procedures for the treatment of severe knee osteoarthritis. Various surgical approaches have been investigated in the hopes of improving postoperative outcomes. Two include the medial parapatellar (standard) and midvastus. As the midvastus approach does not disrupt the extensor mechanism, it may be advantageous for functional recovery, however length of stay and long-term function are similar between approaches. Tourniquet use during TKA has conflicting results in the literature. We hypothesized that a future trial comparing outpatient versus standard TKA could appropriately use either surgical approach with or without a tourniquet. Therefore, the objective of this pilot randomized trial was to compare postoperative pain, function, quality of life, and satisfaction between patients who underwent a medial parapatellar or midvastus approach for TKA ± tourniquet use. Methods: We conducted a randomized trial with a two-by-two factorial design to compare the medial parapatellar to the midvastus surgical approach for TKA ± tourniquet use. The Short Form-12 (SF-12), Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Knee Society Score (KSS) were collected at baseline, postoperatively at two, six, 12 weeks, and one year. Results: Eighty-three patients were included. Postoperative WOMAC scores were statistically but not clinically higher at six weeks and three months in favour of no tourniquet use. There were no differences in postoperative WOMAC scores between approaches. Short Form-12 and KSS scores increased in both groups with no significant differences postoperatively (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There were no clinically significant differences in postoperative pain, function, quality of life, or satisfaction between surgical approaches or whether a tourniquet was used. As such, both surgical approaches ± tourniquet use are safe and reliable. We believe a future larger randomized trial could likely incorporate either surgical approach or tourniquet preferences without significant impact on patient reported outcomes.

Health Economic Evaluations of Hip and Knee Interventions in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment.

BACKGROUND: The economic burden of musculoskeletal diseases is substantial and growing. Economic evaluations compare costs and health benefits of interventions simultaneously to help inform value-based care; thus, it is crucial to ensure that studies are using appropriate methodology to provide valid evidence on the cost-effectiveness of interventions. This is particularly the case in orthopaedic sports medicine, where several interventions of varying costs are available to treat common hip and knee conditions. PURPOSE: To summarize and evaluate the quality of economic evaluations in orthopaedic sports medicine for knee and hip interventions and identify areas for quality improvement. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The Medline, AMED, OVID Health Star, and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to March 1, 2020, to identify economic evaluations that compared ≥2 interventions for hip and/or knee conditions in orthopaedic sports medicine. We assessed the quality of full economic evaluations using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) tool, which consists of 16 questions for a total score of 100. We classified studies into quartiles based on QHES score (extremely poor quality to high quality) and we evaluated the frequency of studies that addressed each of the 16 QHES questions. RESULTS: A total of 93 studies were included in the systematic review. There were 41 (44%) cost analyses, of which 21 (51%) inappropriately concluded interventions were cost-effective. Only 52 (56%) of the included studies were full economic evaluations, although 40 of these (77%) fell in the high-quality quartile. The mean QHES score was 83.2 ± 19. Authors consistently addressed 12 of the QHES questions; questions that were missed or unclear were related to statistical uncertainty, appropriateness of costing methodology, and discussion of potential biases. The most frequently missed question was whether the cost perspective of the analysis was stated and justified. CONCLUSION: The number of studies in orthopaedic sports medicine is small, despite their overall good quality. Yet, there are still many highly cited studies based on low-quality or partial economic evaluations that are being used to influence clinical decision-making. Investigators should follow international health economic guidelines for study design and critical appraisal of studies to further improve quality.

Examining the Short-Term Natural History of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Infancy: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: This study was an update on the AAOS clinical practice guideline's analysis of the natural history of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The objective was to delineate the natural history of clinical instability or radiologic abnormalities of the hip in infants by identifying the proportion of cases that resolved without treatment compared to cases that progressed and/or required treatment. METHODS: We performed a literature search of PUBMED to identify studies which evaluated the natural history of DDH. We used the same search strategy as that utilized in the previous AAOS guidelines, updated to include articles published between September 2013 and May 2021. We assessed the quality of included articles using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine level of evidence and reported study demographics and outcomes using summary statistics. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles met our eligibility criteria. Most included studies were retrospective (14/24), investigated either the incidence of DDH (8/24) or assessed screening programs (7/24). The most prevalent study population followed were Graf 2A hips (7/24). Most studies were low quality with level of evidence 3 (13/24) or 4 (7/24). Sample sizes ranged from 9 to 3251. Twenty studies reported the number of cases resolved over the follow-up period with a mean rate of 84.3% (95% confidence interval 76.1, 92.6). CONCLUSION: We found most mild-to-moderate DDH can resolve without treatment in early infancy, especially in physiologically immature (Graf 2A) hips. More high-quality evidence is needed to properly assess the natural history of DDH as only one included study was a randomized trial. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00510-6.

Implementation of Outpatient Total Joint Arthroplasty in Canada: Where We are and Where We Need to Go.

Total joint arthroplasties (TJA) are successful procedures for the treatment of end-stage hip and knee arthritis. Length of stay in hospitals after these procedures has been steadily decreasing over time, with outpatient procedures (discharge on the same day as surgery) introduced in the US within the last 20 years. Reducing length of stay after TJA can provide cost savings. Centres in Canada have started to utilize outpatient TJA procedures, but we have identified some barriers that may have limited their implementation. We have summarized the current literature for outpatient TJA and discussed potential solutions for the current barriers.

The effect of conjoint tendon release on gait after direct anterior total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: There has been considerable interest in the direct anterior (DA) approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA) recently. To facilitate exposure of the proximal femur it is sometimes necessary to release the conjoint tendon. AIM: To prospectively investigate whether release of the conjoint tendon has an impact on gait in the early postoperative period. METHODS: We measured gait velocity, stride length, single-limb support and single-limb support symmetry preoperatively, at discharge from the hospital, and 2, 6 and 12 weeks and postoperatively. Participants also completed the Timed Up and Go and a series of questionnaires (WOMAC, SF-12, Harris Hip Score, and pain VAS) at each visit. RESULTS: 36 participants undergoing a DA THA with a single surgeon were enrolled in this study. 22 participants had a release of the conjoint tendon during their surgery. We found no differences between the groups for any gait, patient-reported or surgical outcomes (p < 0.05). There was a total of 3 complications reported in the release group, and 1 complication in the group that did not have a release. CONCLUSION: Although the conjoint tendon has an important role in the biomechanics of the hip, we found release of the conjoint tendon during the DA approach for THA to have no impact on gait or patient reported outcomes within 12 weeks post-surgery. Therefore, if the exposure of the proximal femur is limited, a low threshold for release of the conjoint tendon is recommended to improve visualisation.

A randomised trial comparing spatio-temporal gait parameters after total hip arthroplasty between the direct anterior and direct lateral surgical approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful procedure for relieving symptoms of severe osteoarthritis. Surgical approach is a key factor in early recovery and although controversial, little has been written about the direct anterior (DA) approach using objective early measures. METHODS: 78 participants were prospectively enrolled to undergo a THA through either a DA or direct lateral (DL) surgical approach. Outcome measures were collected preoperatively and at discharge from the hospital, and 2-, 6- and 12-weeks. Outcome measures included the GAITRite® system to measure gait velocity, stride length, single-limb support and single-limb support symmetry. At each time point participants also completed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), Harris Hip Score, and pain visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in gait velocity at discharge, 2-weeks and 6-weeks in favour of the DA group (all p < 0.01). We also found significant differences in favour of the DA group for single-limb support symmetry at 6-weeks ( p < 0.01) and 12-weeks ( p < 0.01). The time to complete the TUG test was also significantly shorter in the DA group at 2-weeks ( p < 0.01) and 6-weeks ( p < 0.01) compared to the DL group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: The DA surgical approach was found to offer significant early advantages in function compared to the DL group, with no differences in quality of life or pain.