Is the Oral Chemical Prophylaxis Necessary for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism after Joint Arthroplasty in a Korean Population? / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication that may occur after a major orthopedic surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine the necessity of a chemical thromboprophylactic agent (rivaroxaban [RXB]) by analyzing the prevalence of VTE in Korean arthroplasty patients who received RXB for prophylaxis compared with those who did not receive RXB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,603 patients who underwent knee or hip arthroplasty between 1996 and 2017 were prospectively evaluated. Of these, 1,608 patients underwent surgery before January 2010 and were not administered any type of prophylaxis after surgery; the remaining 995 underwent surgery after 2010 and received oral RXB once daily for 5–13 days from the day after hemovac drain removal to postoperative day 14. RESULTS: The primary study outcome was the prevalence of VTE, pulmonary embolism or death during follow up. The overall incidence of VTE was 1.69% (n=44); of these, 12 occurred in the RXB group and 32 in the non-prophylactic group. The odds ratio of VTE in the RXB group was 0.61. However, the statistical power of the study was 0.313 due to the low incidence of VTE. CONCLUSION: Treatment with oral chemical prophylaxis decreased the incidence of VTE after knee or hip arthroplasty in a Korean population. Furthermore, no serious complications occurred after administering oral RXB, which, coupled with its convenience, suggests oral RXB offers an attractive alternative to other agents. However, we recommend that further studies, including a multicenter study, be conducted to achieve adequate statistical power.

Prognostic Factors and Clinical Outcomes after Treatment of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Using a Cable-plate / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To analyze prognostic factors for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) using the cable-plate construct. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of 41 PFFs treated by osteosynthesis using the cable-plate system. The mean age of patients was 67.3±12.1 years (range, 42-86 years) and the mean follow-up period was 31.5±11.6 months (range, 12–58 months). Fresh frozen cortical strut allografts were leveraged in three cases for additional stability. Prognostic factors that may potentially affect clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: At the time of final follow-up, fracture union was obtained in 29 hips (70.7%; Group I) after an average of 13.5 weeks (range, 12–24 weeks). Healing failure after surgical treatment was observed in 12 cases (29.3%; Group II), including delayed union (n=10) cases and nonunion (n=2). Factors significantly associated with fracture union included fracture pattern (P=0.040), plate overlap percentage to stem length (P<0.001) and T-score at the preoperative bone mineral density (P=0.011). Transverse-type fractures around or just distal to a well-fixed femoral stem were observed in six cases (50.0%) of Group II. CONCLUSION: The cable-plate osteosynthesis of PFFs should be performed with caution in transverse-type fractures or in cases with severe osteoporosis. Fixation with sufficient plate overlap to stem length may be critical to prevent healing failure.

Medium- to Long-term Results of Strut Allografts Treating Periprosthetic Bone Defects / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the medium- to long-term outcomes of cortical strut allografts used to treat periprosthetic bone defects to better understand the correlation between radiological and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed outcomes from 19 patients undergoing cortical strut allografts to treat periproshtetic bone defects from 2001 to 2015. The mean age at index operation was 59.4 years and the average follow-up period was 8.6 years. Surgeries were performed because of aseptic loosening (n=9), periprosthetic fractures (n=5), and infections (n=5). Each case was characterized and described in detail including the length of allograft and the union period; possible correlations between allograft length and detailed classification and union period was analyzed. Clinical evaluations included the Harris hip score and Kaplan-Meier survivorship. RESULTS: In revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), the average length of allografts used in patients experiencing fractures was significantly longer than those with aseptic loosening or infection. Of the 19 cases, incorporation was observed in 18 cases (94.7%). The average time to incorporation was 21.2 months and the time to incorporation was not significantly different among the two groups (fracture vs. aseptic loosening or infection). No positive correlation was identified between the length of allograft and incorporation period or in the time to cortical strut allograft incorporation among Paprosky or Vancouver subgroups. CONCLUSION: Results of cortical strut allografts show excellent incorporation rates based on medium- to long-term follow-up. Cortical strut allografts may be considered useful for the treatment of femoral bone defects experienced during revision THA and following periprosthetic fracture.

Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Summit® Stems in Korean: Minimum Four-year Follow-up / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term results of primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) using Summit® stems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight arthroplasties in 121 patients who were performed THA from December 2004 to March 2013, were reviewed retrospectively a minimum of 4 years follow-up (mean age, 60.3 years; mean postoperative follow up period, 86.3 months). For a clinical evaluation, the Harris hip score (HHS) was used to assess outcome. Radiographic evaluation was done through spot welds, subsidence, stress shielding, canal filling. RESULTS: The mean HHS was 69.8 points preoperatively, and it improved significantly to 96.3 points at the final follow-up. Postoperatively, 10 patients experienced thigh pain and 7 patients showed a moderate limping gait. There was not only early stem subsidence but there was no more subsidence at last follow up. One hundred eighteen hips showed radiographic signs of stem bone ingrowth, and 10 hips showed fibrous ingrowth at the last follow-up. Stress shielding occurred in 85 hips and third degree stress shielding was observed in 6 hips. Complication arose in 10 hips due to dislocation. Although revisions due to recurrent dislocations led to acetabular component revision in one hip, no revisions arose due to isolated aseptic loosening of the femoral component. CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiological mid-term results of primary THA using Summit® stems revealed solid initial fixation and bone ingrowth stable fixation. Considering the satisfactory clinical results, Summit® stems may be a good treatment option in Korean patients who were required hip arthroplasty

Bilateral Idiopathic Chondrolysis of the Hip in an Adult: A Case Report and Review of the Literature / 대한고관절학회지

Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip usually develops in adolescents and is a disease characterized by gradual degenerative changes of the hyaline cartilage surrounding the head of the femur. It eventually decreases the hip joint space and causes limitations in the hip joint range of motion due to pain. The authors had experienced an unusual case of bilateral idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip in an 54 year-old male; thus, we report the treatment results and literature reviews in this case report.

Clinical features of atypical femur fracture

OBJECTIVES: We aim to elucidate the clinical outcomes of bisphosphonate-associated atypical femoral fracture and the clinical results depending on the bisphosphonate therapy period. METHODS: Twenty cases involving 15 patients who had been diagnosed with atypical femoral facture between 2004 and 2014 and who had been followed up for at least 12 months were retrospectively analyzed. The control group was composed of 15 typical femoral facture patients. We used plain radiography and physical examinations to determine the period of time required for fracture healing as well as complication occurrence. We investigated the bisphosphonate administration status and duration and the names of its components, bilateral fracture occurrence status, the period of time required for bone union, and reoperation or bone graft status due to nonunion. RESULTS: Revision surgery involving a bone graft was performed due to nonunion in 1 out of 15 cases. Except in one revision case, the duration of the union was 11.9 months on average in 14 cases of atypical fracture patients, and 4.3 months on average in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Atypical femoral fractures required more time for bone union than typical ones and prolonged bisphosphonate administration led to a longer period of time required for bone union.

Clinical Results of Internal Fixation of Subcapital Femoral Neck Fractures

BACKGROUND: Subcapital femoral neck is known to cause many complications, such as avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head or nonunion, compared with other femoral neck fractures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of AVN and fixation failures in patients treated with internal fixation using cannulated screws for the subcapital femoral neck fractures. METHODS: This study targeted a total of 84 cases of subcapital femoral neck fractures that underwent internal fixation using cannulated screws. The average follow-up time after surgery was 36.8 months (range, 24 to 148 months). RESULTS: Nine hips (10.7%) showing AVN of the femoral head and 6 hips (7.1%) showing fixation failures were observed. The factors affecting the incidence of AVN of the femoral head after sustaining fractures correlated well with fracture types in the Garden classification (p = 0.030). The factors affecting fixation failure were the degree of reduction (p = 0.001) measured by the Garden alignment index and firm fixation (p = 0.009) assessed using the technique of 3-point fixation through the inferomedial cortical bone of the femoral neck. CONCLUSIONS: The complication rates for subcapital femoral neck fractures were lower than those previously reported; hence, internal fixation could be a primary treatment option for these fractures.

Cementless Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty with Ceramic Articulation / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The results of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing surfaces in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) were well known. However, it was not known in revision THA. The purpose of this study is to report the results of revision THA with ceramic articulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 revision THAs were evaluated. The mean age at the time of surgery was 51.6 years (27.7 to 84.2 years). The mean duration of the follow-up periods was 6.3 years (2.3 to 11.4 years). RESULTS: The Harris hip scores improved from an average of 56.2 at the index surgery to an average of 93.3 at the last follow-up (P<0.001). None of hips showed osteolysis or ceramic head fracture. One hip showed aseptic loosening in the acetabular component with squeaking that caused a re-revision. There were nine cases of dislocation. The survivorship at 5 years was 94.5% (95% confidence interval, 87.9% to 97.6%) with revision for any reason as the endpoint and 100% with femoral revision. CONCLUSION: The ceramic articulation is one of good bearing options for revision THA in patients with a long life expectancy.

The Usefulness of Three-dimensional Computed Tomography as an Assessment of Periacetabular Osteolysis in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the usefulness of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) in measuring periacetabular osteolysis by comparing the real volume of osteolysis in revision surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twnety-three patients who had undergone revision surgery due to periacetabular osteolysis but not included septic osteolysis and implant loosening. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 55.2 years. And the mean time interval between the primary total hip arthroplasty and revision surgery was 13.3 years. We measured the polyethylene wear in plain radiographs using computer assisted vector wear analysis program, the volume of acetabular osteolytic lesions in high-resolution spiral CT scans using Rapidia 3D software version 2.8 algorithms before the revision surgery were performed. Intraoperative real osteolytic volume was calculated as the sum of the volumetric increments of the acetabular cup and impacted allo-cancellous bone volume. RESULTS: Strong correlation was found between the volume of acetabular osteolytic lesions measured on 3D-CT and intraoperative real osteolytic volume which was calculated as the sum of the volumetric increments of the acetabular cup and impacted allo-cancellous bone volume. CONCLUSION: 3D-CT is considered a useful method for assessing and measuring the volume of periacetabular osteolysis before revision surgery.

Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty with Buechel and Pappas Knee: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: Clinical and radiologic evaluation and analyses of the surgeries using Buechel and Pappas (B-P) knee implants. METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent 94 total knee replacement arthroplasty with B-P knee implants from May 2009 to December 2010. The results were compared to the results of 41 patients who underwent 60 knee joint surgeries using NexGen-LPS implants from January 2008 to August 2009. RESULTS: The American Knee Society score of the B-P knee group increased from an average of 66.9 (clinical score) and 65.5 (functional score) to 93.4 and 90.3, respectively; while those for the NexGen-LPS group increased from an average of 68.8 (clinical score) and 62.4 (functional score) to 86.3 and 76, respectively. The average ranges of motion of the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group were 119.1degrees and 114.8degrees, respectively, before surgery and improved to 121.0degrees and 123.0degrees at final follow-up after the surgery. The visual analogue scale scores for the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group improved from 4.7 and 4.6 to 1.4 and 1.8, respectively. The flexion contracture also improved from 5.1degrees and 6.3degrees to 0.64degrees and 1.72degrees. The tibio-femoral angle for the B-P knee group and the NexGen-LPS group also improved greatly after the surgery, from varus 0.34degrees and 0.73degrees each to valgus 6.7degrees and 6.9degrees, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of more than 2 years of total knee replacement arthroplasty using B-P knee implants showed good results. B-P knee implants showed a relatively higher degree of satisfaction in clinical knee score and less intraoperative bone mass removal than NexGen-LPS implants.

Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Two Stage Revision Surgery for Infected Hip Arthroplasty Using Cement Spacer / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed long-term clinical results after two-stage revision arthroplasty using an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for infected total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six hips (group 1: cup exchanged, group 2: cup and stem exchanged) were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 7.4 years (5 to 11 years). We analyzed the laboratory findings, the time interval between antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer insertion and revision arthroplasty, Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, radiologic changes, and recurrence of infection. RESULTS: Revision hip arthroplasty was performed at 7.5 weeks on average (group 1: 7.2 weeks, group 2: 7.7 weeks) after implant removal and cement spacer insertion. In group 1, Harris hip score was 51.1 points preoperatively, 84.4 points at six months, 89.3 points in at one year, 91.8 points at three years, and 89.8 points at five years. In group 2, the Harris hip score was 49.8 points preoperatively, 78.1 points at six months, 83.7 points at one year, 90.3 points at three years, and 88.7 points at five years. Recurrence of infection developed in one hip in each group. CONCLUSION: Ninety-two percent of infected hips were eradicated with two-stage revision arthroplasty using an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for infected hip arthroplasty at minimum five-year follow-up. When the infection was limited to the hip joint and the stem was fixed well, two-stage revision with stem retained could be a good treatment option.

Medical Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis / 대한고관절학회지

The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is often delayed due to ambiguous clinical manifestations and strict diagnostic criteria. However, imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging have been found effective for the early diagnosis of non-radiographic sacroiliitis. New tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors have good efficacy for patients with persistently high disease activity despite conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment. Thus, early diagnosis and aggressive treatments are essential for ankylosing spondylitis patients. Because many patients complain of musculoskeletal pains, especially around the sacroiliac joint area, hip specialists should be informed of up-to-date knowledge. In this review, we discuss new diagnostic criteria for ankylosing spondylitis, administration methods of TNF-alpha inhibitors, and the long-term follow-up results for patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors.

Clinical Characteristics of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection for Chronic Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Infection / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: Deep infection after hip and knee arthroplasty is a serious complication and is difficult to treat due to its toxicity. The aims of our study were to find out the differences of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection after hip and knee arthroplasty focusing on clinical course and laboratory findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 61 staphylococcal infection cases after hip and knee arthroplasty (MSSA in 25 patients, MRSA in 36 patients). Vital signs, laboratory tests, microbiology and clinical courses were analyzed. The average follow-up period was 3.8 years (range, 2 to 10.1 years). RESULTS: At initial visit, MRSA group showed significant higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil percentage. The average duration for the normalization of CRP was longer in MRSA group (MRSA: 36.7+/-25.1 days, MSSA: 24.7+/-13.6 days; P=0.008). The mean interval between staging operation was longer in MRSA group (MRSA: mean 8.7 weeks [range, 6.4 to 21.4 weeks], MSSA: mean 6.8 weeks [range, 6 to 13.1 weeks]; P=0.012). MRSA group (13.9%) revealed higher recurrence rate than MSSA group (4%). Two patients (5.6%) from MRSA group expired by sepsis. One limb amputation (2.7%) was carried out in MRSA group. CONCLUSION: MRSA infection after arthroplasty showed more toxic serologic parameter and poorer prognosis. Aggressive treatment should be considered for MRSA infection following arthroplasty.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Subsequent Hip Fractures in Korea: Multicenter Study

This study analyzes the incidence of subsequent hip fractures and its risk factors in the northwestern region of Korea. We analyzed hip fracture patients who visited any of the 5 teaching hospitals in the Bucheon and Incheon area from January 2000 to December 2010. Medical records were reviewed and presence of subsequent hip fractures, alcohol history, marital status, live in solitude, dementia, dizziness, American society of anesthesiologists score, osteoporosis treatment after fracture, body mass index (BMI) and initial bone mineral density were analyzed. The average follow-up period was 12 months (range 1-130 months). A total of 2,546 patients (women 1,770, men 776) who had experienced hip fractures were included. Of these, subsequent hip fractures were found in 233 patients (9.2%) (women 187, men 46). Mean age at the time of the first fracture was 79.2 yr old (range 50-100 yr). The average interval between the first fracture and the subsequent hip fractures was 30.2 months (range 4 days-154 months). In this large-scale, retrospective, multicenter study, overall incidence of subsequent hip fractures is 9.2%. Independent risk factors of subsequent fracture are women, BMI<22 kg/m2, and being unmarried.

Result of Surgical Treatment for the Femoral Head Fracture

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the clinical and radiological long-term follow-up results of patients with femoral head fracture who received surgical treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation was performed for 20 patients with femoral head fracture who received surgical treatments between December 1997 and May 2010. According to Pipkin's classification, there were five type I, six type II, one type III, and eight type IV fractures. RESULTS: The average Merle d'Aubigne'-Postel score was 12.8 (12.80+/-3.53). According to surgical method, the score for the bony fragment excision group was 9.8 (9.83+/-2.79), and that for the open reduction and internal fixation group was 13.9 (13.92+/-3.07). Depending on Thompson-Epstein criteria, two patients were good, two were fair, and two were poor in the bony fragment excision group. Four patients were excellent, six were good, and three were poor in the open reduction and internal fixation group. CONCLUSION: Bony fragment excision should be performed with caution in patients with femoral head fracture. Considering fragment size, location, and presence of acetabular fracture, better outcome can be expected using the open reduction and internal fixation method in comparison with excision.

Clinical Results of Auto-Iliac Cancellous Bone Grafts Combined with Implantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Cells for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE: There are no reports about bone graft and cell therapy for the osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). We prospectively evaluated the clinical results of auto-iliac cancellous bone grafts combined with implantation of autologous bone marrow cells for ONFH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one hips in 52 patients with ONFH treated with bone graft and cell therapy were enrolled, and the average follow-up of the patients was 68 (60-88) months. Necrotic lesions were classified according to their size by the Steinberg method and location of necrosis. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the percentage of excellent or good results was 80% (12/15 hips) in the small lesion group, 65% (17/26 hips) in the medium size group, and 28% (6/20 hips) in the large size group. The procedures were a clinical success in 4 of 5 hips (80%) of stage I, 23 of 35 hips (65.7%) of stage II, 7 of 18 hips (38.9%) of stage III, and 1 of 3 hips (33.3%) of stage IV grade, according to the Association Research Circulation Osseous grading system. Among the 20 cases with large sized necrotic lesions, 17 cases were laterally located and this group showed the worst outcomes, with 13 hips (76.5%) having bad or failed clinical results. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggested that patients who have a large sized lesion or medium sized laterally located lesion would not be good candidates for the head preserving procedure. However, for medium sized lesions, this procedure generated clinical results comparable to those of other head preserving procedures.

Midterm Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the VerSys Fiber Metal Tapered Femoral Stem / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of patients who received the cementless VerSys fiber metal tapered stem for total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty seven hip joint replacements(31 patients) were evaluated over a minimum four year period following the procedure with an average follow-up period of 56 months(48-96 months). The mean patient age was 47.9 years old. Clinical results were analyzed using Harris hip scores, incidence of thigh pain and radiographic analysis was used to assess fixation of the stem, stress shielding, cortical hypertrophy and radiolucent lines around the femoral stem. RESULTS: The average Harris hip score was 90.7 points(82-99 points). Thigh pain was noticed in 6 hips(16%). Proximal femoral bone resorption by stress shielding was observed in 32 hips(86.5%). Cortical hypertrophy was noticed in 16 hips(43.2%) and was statistically correlated with stress shielding of 2nd degree or more according to the Engh classification. Stable bone ingrowth at the last follow-up was seen in 36 hips(97.2%). CONCLUSION: Cementless total hip arthroplasty using the cementless VerSys fiber metal tapered stem demonstrated excellent midterm clinical results as well as excellent radiologic results for stable fixation and endosteal new bone formtion. However, long term follow-up evaluation will be required because of the high rates of proximal bone resorption by stress shielding.

Subsequent Hip Fracture in Osteoporotic Hip Fracture Patients

PURPOSE: A significant number of patients who have experienced previous surgical treatment for an osteoporotic hip fracture experience a subsequent hip fracture (SHF) on the opposite side. This study aims to analyze the risk factors and the correlation between osteoporosis and SHF on the opposite side in order to assess the usefulness of bisphosphonate treatment for the prevention of SHFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 517 patients treated from March 1997 to April 2009 in this study. The inclusion criteria included previous unilateral hip fracture, without osteoporotic treatment, and a T-score less than -3.0 at the time of the fracture. We studied these patients in terms of death, SHF, alcoholism, living alone, dementia, dizziness, health status, osteoporotic treatment after fracture and bone mineral density (BMD). In total, 34 patients experienced a SHF. We selected another 34 patients without a SHF who had similar age, sex, body mass index, BMD, diagnosis, treatment and a follow up period for a matched pair study. We compared these two groups. The average follow up was 8.3 years and 8.1 years, respectively. RESULTS: The mortality rate of the 517 patients was 138 (27%). The BMD at the time of fracture demonstrated no statistical difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Nine patients (26%) within the SHF group were prescribed Risedronate and 18 patients (53%) received the same treatment in the non-SHF group. There was a statistical relationship with the treatment of osteoporosis (p=0.026). The average BMD of patients with SHF was -5.13 and -5.02 in patients without SHF was (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although primary surgical treatments are important for an excellent outcome in osteoporotic hip fractures, treatment of osteoporosis itself is just as important for preventing SHFs.

Combined Anterolateral and Lateral Approaches in Treatment of Extra-articular Fracture of the Distal Humerus

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical effectiveness of open reduction in the treatment of distal humeral fracture using a newly designed combined approach of anterolateral and lateral approaches to protect the radial nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 24 consecutive cases of distal humeral fracture who received open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. We analyzed the patients' age, sex, fracture pattern, timing of the union, range of motion of the elbow joint, and complications. The Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) was employed for the assessment of elbow joint function. RESULTS: Clinical union was observed at 10.8 weeks (6~20 weeks) on average. Pre-operatively, there were 3 cases of incomplete radial nerve palsy. All of the cases recovered, and there was no additional radial nerve palsy due to surgery. According to the MEPI, 13 cases were "excellent" and 10 cases were "good" or better, comprising 95.83% of the cases. The range of motion at the elbow was 5.5 degrees (0~15 degrees) of extension, and 131.5 degrees (120~145 degrees) of flexion, suggesting no functional disability. The duration of return to work was 11.2 weeks (5~32 weeks) on average. There were no nonunion, malunion, or infection complications. CONCLUSION: The combined anterolateral and lateral approach we designed is a clinically effective approach due to facilitation of protection of the radial nerve and attainment of adequate fixation space.

Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty with NexGen(R)-LPS: Minimum 5 Year Follow-up Results / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: One hundred and thirty-six patients who underwent total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA) with NexGen(R)-LPS were analyzed for the clinical and radiologic results after a minimum follow-up of 5-years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 136 patients (209 knees) who underwent TKRA with NexGen(R)-LPS between August 1998 and February 2005 and had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. We evaluated the range of motion (ROM), American Knee Society knee functional scores, radiographic results and complication rates in the study subjects with an average 8.3 years of follow-up (range: 5-11.5 years). We also compared the results of the degenerative arthritis group (195 knees in 129 patients) with those of the rheumatoid arthritis group (14 knees in 7 patients). RESULTS: The mean ROM increased from 107.3degrees to 122degrees at the final follow-up. The flexion contracture also improved from 8.3degrees to 1.2degrees at final follow-up. The knee score improved from 51 to 94.7 at the final follow-up. The functional score improved from 38 to 84.2 (p0.05). Valgus (alpha), varus (beta), flexion (gamma) and the posterior slope angle (delta) of the tibial components were well maintained both during the immediate postoperative period and at the final follow-up. There was no significant difference in the tibiofemoral angle and alpha, beta, gamma and delta angle (p>0.05) between the degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis groups. The alignment of the alternative substance was also relatively well maintained. Radiolucent lines were observed in 39 knees (18.7%), and in 42 zones out of 209 knees. The most common site of radiolucent lines was the medial side of the tibia in 21 knees. The overall incidence of radiolucent lines was 15% for the femur, 61% for the tibia and 24% for the patella. There was no statistically significant difference between the presence of radiolucent lines and the clinical results (p>0.05). There was 1 case of revision surgery due to loosening of implants at 8 years after surgery, but no early loosening was observed in the study subjects. Complications were found in 6 patients. Two patients with early postoperative infection were treated with revision surgery. Two patients with acute hematogenous infection 4 years after the initial operation were treated with revision surgery. Two patients with superficial infection were treated with antibiotics and regular dressing. CONCLUSION: The patients treated with the NexGen(R)-LPS TKRA had a decreased level of postoperative pain and an improved knee joint ROM. A lower rate of complications was also found with this type of implant.