Constitutional morphological features and risk of hip osteoarthritis: a case-control study using standard radiographs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of association with hip osteoarthritis (OA) of 14 morphological features measured on standard antero-posterior pelvis radiographs. METHODS: A case-control study of 566 symptomatic unilateral hip OA cases and 1108 controls without hip OA, using the Genetics of OA and Lifestyle database. Unaffected hips of cases were assumed to reflect pre-OA morphology of the contralateral affected hip. ORs with 95% CI adjusted for confounding factors were calculated using logistic regression. Hierarchical clustering on principal component method was used to identify clusters of morphological features. Proportional risk contribution (PRC) of these morphological features in the context of other risk factors of hip OA was estimated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: All morphological features showed right-left symmetry in controls. Each feature was associated with hip OA after adjusting for age, gender and body mass index. Increased sourcil angle had the strongest association (OR: 6.93, 95% CI 5.16 to 9.32). Three clusters were identified. The PRC varied between individual features, as well as between clusters. It was 35% (95% CI 31% to 40%) for all 14 morphological features, compared to 21% (95% CI 19% to 24%) for all other well-established risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Constitutional morphological variation strongly associates with hip OA development and may explain much of its heritability. Relevant morphological measures can be assessed readily on standard radiographs to help predict risk of hip OA. Prospective studies are required to provide further support for causality.

Two-stage revision surgery for infected total knee replacements: reasonable function and high success rate with the use of primary knee replacement implants as temporary spacers.

Two-stage revision surgery for infected total knee replacements remains the gold standard treatment. Articulating spacers are preferred to static spacers for improved functional outcome. Articulating spacers made of cement can be prone to fracture, may not be suitable for full weight bearing, create abrasion debris and necessitate second-stage revision surgery. An alternative is the use of primary knee replacement implants as temporary spacers. With this technique, implants are loosely cemented into place at time of revision, allow the patient reasonable mobility and an ability to fully weight bear and can obviate the need for second-stage surgery. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing revision for infection over two years was conducted. Patients were clinically assigned to single- or two-stage revision. Patients who had a temporary knee replacement, that is, a primary knee replacement used as an articulating spacer, were identified and contacted to complete an Oxford Knee Score. Time to second stage and recurrence was identified from the notes 23 patients received temporary knee replacements. Of these, one patient died, 13 proceeded to a second-stage revision and nine remain in situ. Median time to second-stage revision was 19 weeks [range 11-27]. No patients had re-infection. Median follow-up for ongoing temporary knee replacements was 43 weeks [range 24-90]. Four temporary implants had survived for longer than 1 year. Median Oxford Knee Score was 26 [23-32] and satisfaction score was 8 out of 10 [8-8]. These early results show that knee replacement implants used as spacers provide a good alternative to cement-based articulating spacers with low re-infection rates. Their additional cost when compared with cement spacers is offset by the fact that many patients achieve adequate function and frail patients can avoid a revision procedure. Level of evidence Case series, Level IV.

Vision Screening in Older Adults Admitted with a Fragility Hip Fracture: A Healthcare Quality Improvement Report.

Background: This healthcare quality improvement report focussed on the effectiveness of an orthoptic-led inpatient vision screening service at Nottingham University Hospitals for older adults admitted with a fragility hip fracture. The service was developed in response to national guidance, which recommended a multifactorial assessment, including a vision assessment for older adults presenting following a fall. Method: Vision screening was carried out by orthoptists on eligible patients ≥65 years of age admitted to the trauma and orthopaedic wards with a hip fracture. Retrospective data for patients screened between 2015-2019 were analysed, including: patient demographics; screening eligibility and outcome; ophthalmology referrals made; ophthalmology appointment attendance; and outcome. Results: Of the 3321 patients admitted with a hip fracture between 2015-2019, 2033 (61%) were eligible for vision screening and 1532 (75%) of these were screened. Furthermore, 784 (51%) of the patients screened had an ocular abnormality requiring an ophthalmology referral, or a sight test at an optician. Only 144 of the 383 (38%) who required an ophthalmology referral via the GP were successfully referred, and only 107 of the 186 (58%) patients who were given appointments attended them. Additionally, 98 of 107 had pathology, with cataracts the most common finding (51%), and 61 of 98 (62%) patients had treatable vision impairment. Conclusions: We found a large proportion of fragility hip fracture patients with impaired vision, much of which was treatable and could be detected effectively with orthoptic-led bedside screening. The most common eye problem in those referred to ophthalmology was cataracts. An internal referral pathway to ophthalmology is proposed. There is a need to investigate reasons for disengagement with eye care services in this population.

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: New Perspectives in Postoperative Care Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Using an External Motion Sensor and a Smartphone Application for Remote Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: The number of total knee replacements performed annually is steadily increasing. Parallel options for postoperative care are decreasing, which reduces patient satisfaction. External devices to support physical rehabilitation and health monitoring will improve patient satisfaction and postoperative care. METHODS: In a prospective, international multicenter study, patients were asked to use an external motion sensor and a smartphone application during the postoperative course of primary total knee arthroplasty. The collected data were transferred to a data platform, allowing for the real-time evaluation of patient data. RESULTS: In three participating centers, 98 patients were included. The general acceptance of using the sensor and app was high, with an overall compliance in study participation rate of up to 76%. The early results showed a significant improvement in the overall quality of life (p < 0.001) and significant reductions in pain (p < 0.01) and depression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The early results of this clinical and multicenter study emphasize that there is a high interest in and acceptance of digital solutions in patients' treatment pathways. Motion sensor and smartphone applications support patients in early rehabilitation.

Analysis of the proximal phalanx size as a guide for an Akin closing wedge osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: The Akin closing wedge osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus interphalangeus has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Commonly, the size of the osteotomy is visually judged intraoperatively. We present a means of performing the osteotomy more objectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs of 101 feet were studied to derive mean values for dimensions of the hallux proximal phalanx in the general population. Based on these we calculated the size of osteotomy required for given corrections. RESULTS: The mean hallux width 5 mm distal to the apex of the articular surface differed between males and females. In males the mean width was 18 mm (95% CI 17.5 to 18.8) and in females 15 mm (95% CI 14.5 to 15.5). For a 10 degree correction, an osteotomy with a 3 mm base would be required. CONCLUSION: Although the Akin osteotomy dimensions are commonly estimated, a more objective method of planning the osteotomy is presented. The method can also be applied to any closing wedge osteotomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We believe this method of the Akin osteotomy can improve the accuracy of the surgery.

Hip precautions after total hip replacement and their discontinuation from practice: patient perceptions and experiences.

BACKGROUND: Hip precautions are routinely provided to reduce the risk of dislocation following total hip replacement despite evidence suggesting they provide no additional benefit and may, actually, impede recovery. Our aim was to report the views of patients who had been recruited into a trial comparing outcomes in participants who were prescribed hip precautions with those who were not. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Topics explored included experiences and opinions of the service (either hip precautions or no hip precautions), information offered, and equipment provided. Thematic analysis was used to identify and report themes. RESULTS: Six themes were identified: perceived justification, and advantages and disadvantages for the postoperative recovery regime prescribed, perceived risk, and fear of dislocation, adherence to the postoperative regime prescribed, and experiences of adaptive equipment. CONCLUSIONS: Participants who received hip precautions had mixed views about their use: some felt they were restrictive whilst others believed they provided reassurance. Participants who did not receive hip precautions were less anxious about dislocating their hip but were unsure how to progress their rehabilitation. The discontinuation of precautions may decrease patients' fears about dislocation but more guidance from rehabilitation staff about how to move safely during recovery is required.Implications for rehabilitationHip precautions may unnecessarily exacerbate patients' anxieties and fear about dislocation following total hip replacement.Hip precautions impact on patients' recovery both physically and psychologically.Patients should be advised about moving and returning to activities following total hip replacement, whether they receive hip precautions or not.

Evaluation of hip precautions following total hip replacement: a before and after study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hip precautions following total hip replacement (THR) by comparing outcomes of patients who received hip precautions with those who did not. METHODS: Before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) study with two consecutive cohorts of patients. In phase 1, patients were strictly educated about hip precautions. In phase 2, patients were not advised about precautions but encouraged to move as able. The primary outcome was the Oxford Hip Score (measuring pain and function) at three months. Secondary outcomes included Oxford Hip Score, activities of daily living (ADLs) (Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and quality of life (QoL) (EQ-5 D). RESULTS: A total 237 participants successfully underwent THR surgery, 118 participants in phase 1 and 119 in phase 2. At three months postoperatively, participants had significantly equivalent Oxford Hip Scores (MD= -0.82, 95% CI: -2.64 to 1.00). No significant differences between the groups were observed at six weeks and three months postoperatively for secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients recovered at a similar rate regardless of whether they received hip precautions or not, with no increase in complications observed. The findings lend evidence to support decision-making around the removal of precautions.Implications for rehabilitationThe use of no hip precautions resulted in no additional benefit following primary total hip replacement surgery in terms of functional recovery.Patients who were not prescribed precautions had significantly less pain and greater function during the first week after surgery.Total hip replacement patients had similar outcomes at six weeks and three months postoperatively regardless of whether they received hip precautions or not.The study provides evidence to suggest that hip precautions may not be needed routinely following elective primary total hip replacement.