Differences in Resumption of Orthopedic Surgery According to Characteristics of Surgery during COVID-19 Pandemic: National Registry Data

Background@#Healthcare services have been restricted after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. With the pandemic still ongoing, the patterns of orthopedic surgery might have changed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the reduced volumes of orthopedic surgery were recovered over time. Among the trauma and elective surgery, which accounted for most orthopedic surgical procedures, we also sought to elucidate whether the changes in the volumes of orthopedic surgery differed according to the type of surgery. @*Methods@#The volumes of orthopedic surgery were analyzed using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea databases. The surgical procedure codes were categorized depending on the characteristics of the procedures. The actual volumes of surgery were compared with the expected volumes to elucidate the effect of COVID-19 on surgical volumes. The expected volumes of surgery were estimated using Poisson regression models. @*Results@#The reducing effect of COVID-19 on the volumes of orthopedic surgery weakened as COVID-19 continued. Although the total volumes of orthopedic surgery decreased by 8.5%–10.1% in the first wave, those recovered to a 2.2%–2.8% decrease from the expected volumes during the second and third waves. Among the trauma and elective surgery, open reduction and internal fixation and cruciate ligament reconstruction decreased as COVID-19 continued, while total knee arthroplasty recovered. However, the volumes of hemiarthroplasty of the hip did not decrease through the year. @*Conclusions@#The number of orthopedic surgeries, which had decreased due to COVID-19, tended to recover over time, although the pandemic was still ongoing. However, the degree of resumption differed according to the characteristics of surgery. The findings of our study will be helpful to estimate the burden of orthopedic surgery in the era of persistent COVID-19.

Comparative Analysis of T-Score Discordance between a Registry-Based Korean Population and Atypical Femoral Fracture Patients of a Single Institution

Background@#The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of T-score discordance between the spine and femur in the South Korean population and compare the prevalence of T-score discordance between the Korean osteoporosis population and atypical femoral fracture (AFF) patients. @*Methods@#A total of 12,422 subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were reviewed retrospectively. T-score discordance was defined as a difference of ≥ 1 standard deviation between the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD). The prevalence of T-score discordance (low LS [LS BMD FN BMD], and total [low LS + low FN]) was investigated in the osteoporosis and non-osteoporosis groups and stratified by sex and age. Tscore discordance of 63 patients with AFFs diagnosed at a single institution was compared with that of the Korean osteoporosis population using propensity score matching. @*Results@#T-score discordance was prevalent in the Korean osteoporosis population (44.8%), and low LS discordance (37.5%) was more frequently seen than low FN discordance (7.2%) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of total and low LS discordance was significantly higher in AFF patients than in the Korean osteoporosis population (total discordance: 69.8% and 42.5%, respectively; low LS discordance: 63.5% and 31.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#T-score discordance was highly prevalent in the Korean osteoporosis population, and low LS discordance was more common than low FN discordance. Nevertheless, the prevalence of low LS discordance was significantly higher in AFF patients than in the Korean osteoporosis population.

Posterior condylar offset changes and its effect on clinical outcomes after posteriorsubstituting, fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty: anterior versus posterior referencing

Background@#We sought to determine whether there was a difference in the posterior condylar offset (PCO), posterior condylar offset ratio (PCOR) and clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with anterior referencing (AR) or posterior referencing (PR) systems. We also assessed whether the PCO and PCOR changes, as well as patient factors were related to range of motion (ROM) in each referencing system. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 130 consecutive patients (184 knees) with osteoarthritis who underwent primary posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-substituting fixed-bearing TKA. The difference between preoperative and postoperative PCO and PCOR values were calculated. Clinical outcomes including ROM and Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) scores were evaluated. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to postoperative ROM in each referencing system. @*Results@#The postoperative PCO was greater in the AR group (28.4 mm) than in the PR group (27.4 mm), whereas the PCO was more consistently preserved in the PR group. The mean postoperative ROM after TKA was greater in the AR group (129°) than in the PR group (122°), whereas improvement in WOMAC score did not differ between the two groups. Preoperative ROM was the only factor related to postoperative ROM in both groups. @*Conclusions@#There was no difference in postoperative PCO in AR and PR group and the PCO was not associated with postoperative ROM. PCO was more consistently preserved after surgery in the PR group. The postoperative PCO and PCOR changes did not affect the postoperative ROM. Furthermore, similar clinical outcomes were achieved in the AR and PR groups.

A Randomized, Multicenter, Phase III Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Polmacoxib Compared with Celecoxib and Placebo for Patients with Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of polmacoxib 2 mg versus placebo in a superiority comparison or versus celecoxib 200 mg in a noninferiority comparison in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This study was a 6-week, phase III, randomized, double-blind, and parallel-group trial followed by an 18-week, single arm, open-label extension. Of the 441 patients with knee or hip OA screened, 362 were randomized; 324 completed 6 weeks of treatment and 220 completed the extension. Patients were randomized to receive oral polmacoxib 2 mg (n = 146), celecoxib 200 mg (n = 145), or placebo (n = 71) once daily for 6 weeks. During the extension, all participants received open-label polmacoxib 2 mg. The primary endpoint was the change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC)-pain subscale score from baseline to week 6. Secondary endpoints included WOMAC-OA Index, OA subscales (pain, stiffness, and physical function) and Physician's and Subject's Global Assessments at weeks 3 and 6. Other outcome measures included adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and physical examinations. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, the polmacoxib-placebo treatment difference was −2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], −4.4 to −0.6; p = 0.011) and the polmacoxib-celecoxib treatment difference was 0.6 (CI, −0.9 to 2.2; p = 0.425). According to Physician's Global Assessments, more subjects were “much improved” at week 3 with polmacoxib than with celecoxib or placebo. Gastrointestinal and general disorder AEs occurred with a greater frequency with polmacoxib or celecoxib than with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Polmacoxib 2 mg was relatively well tolerated and demonstrated efficacy superior to placebo and noninferior to celecoxib after 6 weeks of treatment in patients with OA. The results obtained during the 18-week trial extension with polmacoxib 2 mg were consistent with those observed during the 6-week treatment period, indicating that polmacoxib can be considered safe for long-term use based on this relatively small scale of study in a Korean population. More importantly, the results of this study showed that polmacoxib has the potential to be used as a pain relief drug with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for OA.

Prevalence of Osteoporosis in Female Patients with Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

This study sought to demonstrate bone mineral density (BMD) conditions in elderly female patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In addition, we sought to determine whether their BMD conditions differ from those of community-based females without knee OA. Finally we sought to determine whether clinical statuses are related to BMD in the knee OA patients. BMD conditions in 347 female patients undergoing TKA and 273 community-based females were evaluated. Additionally, comparative analyses of BMD between age and body mass index-matched knee OA groups (n=212) and the control groups (n=212) were performed. In the pre-matched knee OA group, regression analyses were performed to determine whether preoperative clinical statuses were related to BMD. Considerable prevalence of coexistent osteoporosis (31%) was found in the pre-matched knee OA patients undergoing TKA. We found no significant differences of the BMD T-scores and the prevalence of osteoporosis between the age and body mass index-matched knee OA and control groups. In the pre-matched knee OA patients, poorer preoperative clinical scores were related to poorer BMD T-scores in the proximal femur and/or lumbar spine. Our study suggests that more attention should be paid to identify and treat osteoporosis in elderly female patients with advanced knee OA undergoing TKA.

Efficacy and Safety of Aceclofenac Controlled Release in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A 4-week, Multicenter, Randomized, Comparative Clinical Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the analgesic effect, efficacy and safety of aceclofenac controlled release (CR) in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 125 subjects with chronic knee OA were randomly divided into two groups: one group (n=62) was administered aceclofenac CR once daily and the other (n=63), aceclofenac immediate release (IR) twice a day for 4 weeks. A 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and range of motoin (ROM) were evaluated as the outcome measures. To evaluate the safety of the drug, adverse events, vital signs, physical examination findings, clinical laboratory values and electrocardiographic findings were evaluated. RESULTS: The VAS, KOOS and ROM were improved after 4 weeks of administration in both groups, but the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. Significant differences between the two groups were not shown in the evaluation of the adverse events, vital sign, physical examination results, clinical laboratory values, and electrocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: The aceclofenac CR and aceclofenac IR were equally effective in patients with chronic knee OA and the clinical trial results didn't show any significant difference in safety. The new aceclofenac CR formulation was found to be effective and safe with the practical advantage of once daily administration.

Relations between Long-term Glycemic Control and Postoperative Wound and Infectious Complications after Total Knee Arthroplasty in Type 2 Diabetics

BACKGROUND: The authors examined whether poor preoperative glucose control, as indicated by the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of more than 8%, is associated with postoperative wound and infectious complications in diabetic patients that have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: One hundred and sixty-seven TKAs performed in 115 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, from January 2001 through March 2007, were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression was used to identify the variables that had a significant effect on the risk of wound complications or early deep infection. The variables considered were age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, operation time, antibiotic-impregnated cement use, amount of blood transfusion, close suction drain use, duration of diabetes, method of diabetes treatment, diabetes complications, and preoperative HbA1c level. RESULTS: The overall incidence of wound complications was 6.6% (n = 11) and there were seven cases (4.2%) of early postoperative deep infection. Logistic regression revealed that the independent risk factors of wound complications were preoperative HbA1C > or = 8% (odds ratio [OR], 6.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 33.0) and operation time (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.03). No variable examined was found to be significantly associated with the risk of early postoperative deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: Poorly controlled hyperglycemia before surgery may increase the incidence of wound complications among diabetic patients after TKA.

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Distal Femur Fracture with Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND: The incidence of distal femur fracture in the elderly has been increasing recently, and commonly occurs with osteoporosis. Retrograde intramedullary nailing has been considered a good surgical option for distal femur fracture. The purpose of the present study was to present our surgical results with retrograde intramedullary nailing for distal femur fractures with osteoporosis. METHODS: Thirteen patients diagnosed with extra-articular distal femur fracture and osteoporosis and managed with retrograde intramedullary nailing were retrospectively reviewed. Cement augmentation was used in four patients, shape memory alloy was used in eight patients and both were used in one patient. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years. Radiologic alignments. were scored and Tegner and the Lysholm activity score was used for a functional assessment. RESULTS: The average time to clinical union was 13 weeks (range, 10 to 15 weeks). In 12 of our cases, the total alignment scores were excellent. At the last follow-up, the mean range of motion was 116degrees (range, 110degrees to 125degrees). The average functional score at postoperative 1 year was 2.6 (range, 1 to 5). CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a good surgical option for distal femur fracture with osteoporosis. Cement augmentation and shape memory alloy can also be used for added mechanical stability. This surgical technique is very useful for distal femur fracture with osteoporosis as it promotes fracture healing and early rehabilitation.

Minimum 5-Year Results of Titanium Tapered Stem with Alumina Bearing in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Modified Direct Lateral Approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a single titanium tapered stem with alumina bearing, which was performed through a modified direct lateral approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty consecutive primary THAs were performed in 102 patients, and retrospectively reviewed. There were 53 men and 49 women of mean age 54 years, and all patients were followed for a minimum follow-up period of 5 years (range, 5-8.1 years). Clinical outcomes assessment consisted of calculation of the Harris hip score (HHS), and evaluation of the presence of thigh pain or limp. Sequential radiographs were evaluated for implant migration, osteolysis, reactive line, cortical hypertrophy, or evidence of component loosening. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the mean preoperative HHS of 46 points improved to 94 points; and activity-related thigh pain occurred in two hips, and mild limps in four hips. There was no evidence of implant migration, osteolysis, or component loosening. Audible squeaking was present in two hips, without pain and radiographic abnormality. Dislocation occurred in three hips. CONCLUSION: The minimum 5-year results of titanium tapered stem with alumina bearing in cementless primary THA, using a modified direct lateral approach, were encouraging.

The Use of a Ti-Ni Shape Memory Alloy Ring Bone Fixator During the Retrograde Nailing of Supracondylar Femoral Fractures

PURPOSE: To identify the effects of using a Ti-Ni shape memory alloy ring shaped bone fixator (SMA-rBF) during the retrograde nailing of supracondylar femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed 25 patients with a supracondylar femoral fracture treated by retrograde intramedullary nailing with or without SMA-rBF (group S, 12/25; group N, 13/25). Radiological measurements of angular deformity were performed and functional assessments were made using the Sanders grading system. RESULTS: All fractures healed after an average of 12.2 weeks (range, 9-15 weeks) in group N and after 11.6 weeks (range, 10-13 weeks) in group S (p=0.351). The mean angle of coronal angular deformity was valgus 0.8degrees (range, varus 2.3degrees-valgus 4.5degrees) in group N and valgus 0.7degrees (range, varus 1.0degrees-valgus 2.4degrees) in group S (p=0.892). The mean angle of sagittal angular deformity was 1.0degrees in extension (range, flexion 3.2degrees-extension 3.1degrees) in group N and 0degrees (range, flexion 2.1degrees-extension 1.2degrees) in group S (p=0.022). However, functional grading evaluations revealed no differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: When reduction of a distal femoral fracture with retrograde nailing was difficult additional mini-open reduction and fixation with a ring shaped SMA did not delay or prevent bony union and resulted in good postoperative alignment.

Two-Stage Reimplantation in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty (A Method of Reinsertion of the Autoclaved Femoral Component and a Polyethylene Liner)

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the results of treating infected total knee arthroplasty with an autoclaved femoral component and polyethylene liner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2003 to March 2008, 25 knees were diagnosed as infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and they underwent two-stage re-implantation. These knees were treated with debridement, reinsertion of the removed femoral component and a polyethylene liner, which were autoclaved, and antibiotic cement was used as an articulating spacer during the interim period to allow maintenance of motion and function. The range of motion and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, the Knee Society Knee Score and the Function Score were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 52 months. There was one recurrence of infection. Prior to revision, the average range of motion was 83degrees and the average HSS score was 60 points. At final follow-up, the average range of motion was 110degrees and the average HSS score was 86 points. The knee score and function score showed an increase from a mean of 46 and 31 points preoperatively to a mean of 82 and 50 points postoperatively. The complications during reimplantation were one medial collateral ligament rupture, one lateral condyle fracture and one femoral distal metaphyseal fracture. CONCLUSION: The articulating spacer using an autoclaved femoral component and polyethylene can improve knee function and motion in two stage revision TKA.

Kinematics in Total Knee Arthroplasty

In the current age of technological advances, reproducing the knee kinematics for minimizing wear and increasing the range of motion, together with obtaining proper alignment and stability, have become the major goals of total joint replacement. The kinetics of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have a complex influence on its performance, and differing abnormal patterns have been shown after TKA by using gait analysis, fluoroscopy and radiostereometry. In the sagittal plane, it is now understood that the femoral condyles roll and glide simultaneously on the tibial plateau during flexion. The kinematics of the knee and the shape of the condyles and the tibial plateau are closely interrelated with the functions of the cruciate ligaments. The kinematics result from the combined actions of the surface geometry of the joint and the soft tissues attached to it. To a variable extent in the mid-range, these factors cause tibial internal rotation to occur with flexion around a medial axis. From 120_ to full flexion, both condyles roll back onto the posterior horn so that the tibio-femoral joint subluxes. In TKA, it has been demonstrated that substituting a cam-and-post mechanism for the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) shows consistent posterior femoral rollback during flexion. Restoration of the posterior condylar offset is important since it allows a greater degree of flexion before impingement occurs.

A Case of a Extrasynovial Ossifying Chondrolipoangioma in the Infrapatellar Fat Pad: Advanced Stage of Hoffa's Disease

Hoffa's disease refers to inflammation, subsequent hypertrophy and impingement of the infrapatellar fat pad, and this is all triggered by acute trauma or repetitive microtrauma. Patients with Hoffa's disease manifest with anterior knee pain and functional impairment. The chronic impingement of the infrapatellar fat pad, which contains many progenitor cells, may promote fibrocartilaginous formation and osteochondral metaplasia of adipose tissue, so osteochondroma is sometimes found in patients with advanced Hoffa's disease. We report here on an ossifying chondrolipoangioma as an advanced form of Hoffa disease that occurred in the infrapatellar fat pad.

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Periprosthetic Supracondylar Fractures of the Femur after Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur after total knee arthroplasty are not common but are usually difficult to treat due to the advanced age of patients and frequently accompanying osteoporosis. Retrograde intramedullary nailing can be effective in promoting healing of these fractures by providing sufficient stability, but the number of beneficiaries is small due to its limited applicability and the postoperative function has rarely been assessed. This study evaluated the efficacy of retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur using the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between January 2000 and May 2006, 9 patients (10 knees) with periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur underwent retrograde intramedullary nailing. An open reduction and additional fixation using a shape memory alloy ring were used in 3 of them in whom a closed reduction was not successful. The clinical and radiographic findings were reviewed retrospectively in 7 patients (8 knees), excluding 2 who were unavailable for a follow-up assessment due to death. The mean follow-up period was 39 months (range, 24 to 82 months). The union and alignment of the fracture were assessed radiographically. The postoperative function was evaluated using Sanders' criteria. RESULTS: Radiographic union was obtained in all patients after an average of 13 weeks (range, 12 to 15 weeks) postoperatively. No postoperative infection, heterotopic ossification and component loosening were observed. After union, the coronal alignment averaged 0.1degrees valgus (range, 3.6degrees varus to 2.6degrees valgus) and the mean sagittal alignment was 1.9degrees of extension (range, 0.9degrees of flexion to 6.3degrees of extension). The mean range of motion was 103degrees (range, 90degrees to 120degrees) postoperatively. At the last follow up, there were 1 excellent, 5 good and 2 fair results according to Sanders' criteria. CONCLUSIONS: With retrograde intramedullary nailing, excellent fracture union and good functional recovery were obtained in patients with periprosthetic supracondylar fractures.

Acromial Morphology in Different MR Oblique Sagittal Slices: Correlation with Rotator Cuff Disorder

PURPOSE: On the hypothesis that the acromion morphology is changed according to the its site, we identified the morphology of the acromion on the oblique slices of MRI and we investigated the association of the acromial shape with the clinical stages of rotator cuff disorder on the magnetic resonance (MR) images. In addition, we compared the acromion morphology on MRI and simple X-rays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MR images of seventy one patients with rotator cuff disorder and who underwent arthroscopic surgery were compared with that of a control group of sixteen patients who didn't have rotator cuff disorder on MRI. On three subsequent oblique sagittal slices from the lateral edge of the acromion (S1, S2 and S3), each acromion morphology on the MRI slices was classified according to Epstein et al: flat, curved or hooked. We investigated the changing parttern of the acromion shape and we compared the acromion shape on MRI and that on simple X-rays. We classified the rotator cuff tear by the severity: bursitis, partial thickness tear or full thickness tear. We investigated which acromial type on the MRI oblique slice was associated with the severity of rotator cuff disease. RESULTS: Changes of the acromial shape occurred in 54 patients (76.1%). The most frequent pattern was that the types are same on S1 and S2 and different on S3 (22 cases, 31.0%). The acromial type on S1 and S2 was significantly associated with the severity of rotator cuff disorder (p=0.001 and 0.022), respectively. There was no reliability of the acromial shape on MRI and roentgenography (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The type of acromion changed from lateral to medial. Among the three positions, the shape of the acromion on S1 and S2 had meaningful correlation with the clinical stage of rotator cuff disorder. There was no statistical correlation of the acromial shape between MRI and simple X-ray.

Early Results of Hemicondylar Hamate Replacement Arthroplasty in Proximal Interphalangeal Fracture-Dislocation Injury

PURPOSE: We assessed early clinical and radiological results of hemicondylar hamate replacement arthroplasty in fracture-dislocation injury of the proximal interphalangeal joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2007 to February 2008, four patients who had suffered from comminuted unstable fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint were treated by hemicondylar hamate replacement arthroplasty. All patients were male, and average age at operation was 21.5(range, 14~27) years. All cases showed subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and mean articular surface involvement was 50.8(range, 42.1~62.5)%. We clinically measured ROM, grip strength, pain of donor & recipient site, and radiologically assessed whether or not union, malalignment, or step-off occurred. RESULTS: Average follow-up period was 9.5(range, 6~14) months. Mean flexion contracture was 12.5 (range, 10~15)degrees in affected side and 0degrees in unaffected side. Mean further flexion was 92.5 (range, 85~100)degrees in affected side and 95.0 (range, 90~100)degrees in unaffected side. Mean VAS pain scores was 1.75 (range, 1~3) in recipient site and 1.25 (range, 0~2) in donor site. Mean grip strength was 11 (range, 8~15) lb in affected side and 14 (range, 10~17) lb in unaffected side. Union without malalignment was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Early results of hemicondylar hamate replacement arthroplasty in the treatment of fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint showed satisfactory functional and radiological outcome.

Comparison of Autologous Drainage Blood Reinfusion or No Drain in Primary Total Knee Replacements

PURPOSE: Primary total knee arthroplasty is associated with considerable blood loss, and allergenic blood transfusions are frequently necessary. Because of the cost and risks of allogenic blood transfusions, the autologous drainage blood reinfusion technique has been developed as an alternative transfusion technique. A number of studies have compared the reinfusion techniques with standard suction drainage, but few reports have compared the reinfusion technique with the technique that uses no drain. We analyzed the early results after primary total knee arthroplasty with using autologous drainage blood reinfusion and no drain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 30 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty with using no drain between November 2005 and March 2006 and they were matched for age and gender with 30 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty with using the autologous drainage blood reinfusion technique between January 2003 and October 2005. All the operations were done under a pneumatic tourniquet and meticulous hemostasis was performed after deflation of the tourniquet. We have retrospectively reviewed the preoperative data (age, gender, the body mass index, the diagnosis, a history of knee surgery, infection and/or anticoagulant therapy, and the medical cormorbidities) and the postoperative data (the hemoglobin level, the hematocrit and the platelet count during hospitalization, the amount of allogenic blood transfusion and narcotics, the complications, the rehabilitation process and the clinical scores). RESULTS: The amount of allogenic blood transfusion in the autologous drainage blood reinfusion group was greater than that of the no drain group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The hemoglobin level and hematocrit during hospitalization were higher in the autologous drainage blood reinfusion group, which was significant at the postoperative second and seventh days. There was a case of deep infection in the no drain group. CONCLUSION: The autologous drainage blood reinfusion method when performing primary total knee arthroplasty did not show any significant clinical benefit over the no-drain method with regards to allogenic blood transfusions, the amount of narcotic used, the rehabilitation processes and the clinical scores. However, the incidences of wound complication and infection were higher in the no drain group.

Comparative Analysis of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) Performed with Conventional or Single-incision, Minimally Invasive (MIS) Direct Lateral Approach

PURPOSE: We compared the outcomes of primary consecutive THAs performed via the direct lateral approach through minimally invasive incisions (<8 cm) and through standard incisions (15~20 cm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty primary consecutive THAs were performed via direct lateral approach through minimally invasive incisions or through standard size incisions. The standard incision is Hardinge's direct lateral approach. For the MIS group, an approximately 8 cm long oblique skin incision was made centered at the tip of the greater trochanter and running anterosuperiorly to posteroinferiorly. RESULTS: The surgical time was shorter (p=0.03) and the average amount of Hemovac drainage was smaller (p=0.02) in the MIS group. Alignment of the femoral stem and acetabular cup, post-operative pain and limping, HHS, and infection rate were no different between the two groups. In the MIS group, two complications (5.0%) occurred (one lateral positioning of the acetabular cup, one intra-operative acetabular fracture), and one varus stem insertion occurred. CONCLUSION: Minimization of the skin incision length for primary THAs performed via the direct lateral approach appears to have benefits with regard to shortening the wound closing time and decreasing the amount of postoperative Hemovac suction drainage. However, the minimally exposed operative field raises technical problems, so sufficient surgical experience and training are required.

The Relationship of Osteoporosis and Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: We measured the BMD (bone mineral density) of elderly patients with hip fracture in order to understand the relationship between osteoporosis and hip fracture, and also to suggest a reference point for starting an osteoporosis treatment program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2004 to April 2007, we investigated 172 elderly hip fracture patients. Their BMD was checked by DEXA (Hologic QDR-4500w, S/N 49492) at the proximal femur and at the 1st to 4th lumbar vertebrae. The average T-score of the hip fracture patients and the fracture threshold was calculated. RESULTS: The average BMD of the patients with hip fracture was -2.63 of the T-score in the proximal femur and - 2.95 of that in the lumbar vertebrae. The BMD in the patients with intertrochanteric fracture was significantly decreased compared to that of femur neck fracture (p=0.04, 0.19). For the femur neck fracture patients, the BMD of the displaced group was decreased compared to that of the undisplaced group (p=0.04, 0.01). The fracture threshold was -1.29 of the T-score in lumbar vertebrae, and the fracture threshold was -1.15 in the proximal femur. CONCLUSION: The BMD in elderly patients with hip fracture was significantly decreased compared that of normal people. For the prevention of hip fracture in elderly patients, we propose that the aggressive treatment of osteoporosis should be started for patients with a T-score less than -1.5.

Accuracy of Intramedullary versus Extramedullary Tibial Alignment Guides: A Randomized, Prospective Study in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To determine which one is more accurate tibial cutting system for total knee arthroplasty between intramedullary and extramedullary alignment guides in Korean osteoarthritis patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 80 consecutive total knee arthroplasties in 40 patients with bilateral osteoarthritis of knee was carried out. All patients were undertaken the total knee arthroplasty with intramedullary cutting system in randomly assigned side of the knee, and with extramedullary cutting system in the other side. A standing antero-posterior radiograph of whole lower extremity was performed at six months after operation, and tibia component angle(TCA) which represents the angle between the mechanical axis of tibia and transverse axis of the prosthetic knee joint was measured. The optimal values for TCA was defined as 90+/-4 degrees. RESULTS: The mean values for the TCA in all cases was 89.3+/-1.9 degrees(82~ 96 degrees) and 93% of all patients were included in the optimal range. The TCA fell into the optimal range in 36 cases of 40 cases(90%) with extramedullary cutting system, while 38 cases of 40 cases(95%) with intramedullary cutting system. These differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both extramedullary and intramedullary alignment cutting systems are effective methods for Korean. In order to reduce the risk of malalignment, proper proximal tibia cutting method should be carefully selected according to the individual characteristics of the knee, and preoperative evaluation for alignment using radiograph is mandatory.