An overview of the current diagnostic approach to Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) presents a formidable challenge to orthopaedic surgeons due to its complex and diverse manifestations. Accurate diagnosis is of utmost importance, as even mild pain following joint replacement surgery may indicate PJI in the absence of a definitive gold standard diagnostic test. Numerous diagnostic modalities have been suggested in the literature, and international societies have continually updated diagnostic criteria for this debilitating complication. This review article aims to comprehensively examine the latest evidence-based approaches for diagnosing PJI. Through a thorough analysis of current literature, we explore promising diagnostic strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness in identifying PJI. These strategies encompass the utilization of laboratory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), alongside imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and leukocyte scintigraphy. Additionally, we highlight the importance of synovial fluid analysis, including the potential role of alpha-defensin as a biomarker, and examine evolving international diagnostic criteria to standardize and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Periprosthetic tibial fracture as a complication of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Current insights.

Periprosthetic fracture following knee arthroplasty is a rare but devastating complication associated with significant morbidity. With unicompartmental knee arthroplasty being performed far less frequently than total knee arthroplasty, periprosthetic fracture following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty presents a particular challenge to orthopaedic surgeons, due to clinical unfamiliarity and sparsity of literature. An up-to-date review of the epidemiology, risk factors, and management strategies for PPF after UKA is presented.

Periprosthetic Distal Femoral Fractures Around a Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Meta-analysis Comparing Locking compression Plating and Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing.

Purpose: The number of total knee replacements (TKRs) performed per year has been increasing annually and it is estimated that by 2030 demand would reach 3.48 million procedures per year in the United States Of America. The prevalence of periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) around TKRs has followed this trend with incidences ranging from 0.3% to 3.5%. Distal femoral PPFs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. When there is sufficient bone stock in the distal femur and a fracture pattern conducive to fixation, locking compression plating (LCP) and retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN) are commonly used fixation strategies. Conversely, in situations with loosening and deficient bone stock, a salvage procedure such as a distal femoral replacement is recognized as an alternative. This meta-analysis investigates the rates of non-union, re-operation, infection, and mortality for LCPs and RIMNs when performed for distal femoral PPFs fractures around TKRs. Method: A search was conducted to identify articles relevant to the management of distal femoral PPFs around TKRs in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were then assessed for methodological quality using the methodological items for non-randomised studies (MINORS) criteria. Articles were reviewed, and data were compiled into tables for analysis. Results: 10 articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 528 PPFs. The overall incidence of complications was: non-union 9.4%, re-operation 12.9%, infection 2.4%, and mortality 5.5%. This meta-analysis found no significant differences between RIMN and LCP in rates of non-union (9.2% vs 9.6%) re-operation (15.1% vs 11.3%), infection (2.1% vs 2.6%), and mortality (6.0% vs 5.2%), respectively. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference in rates of non-union, re-operation, infection, and mortality between RIMN and LCP and both remain valid surgical treatment options.

Distal femoral replacement for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures around a total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

Background: Periprosthetic fracture is a rare complication of arthroplasty but can have devastating consequences for the patient and presents a complex surgical challenge. Locking compression plate and retrograde intramedullary nail are both widely accepted surgical fixation techniques for distal femoral periprosthetic fractures around a total knee arthroplasty. Although there is still a need for further high-quality research into both techniques, there is even less literature concerning the use of distal femoral replacement to treat distal femoral periprosthetic fractures. Interest has been piqued in distal femoral replacements for the treatment of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures due to the theoretical advantages of immediate post-operative weight-bearing and lack of dependence on fracture union, but there are still understandably reservations about performing such an extensive and invasive procedure when an accepted alternative is available. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the current literature to compare the complication rates and return to pre-operative ambulatory status of distal femoral replacement and locking compression plate. Method: A literature search was performed to identify articles related to the management of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures around a total knee arthroplasty in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Methodological quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Articles were reviewed, and data extracted for analysis. Results: Five articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 345 periprosthetic fractures. The overall rates of complications for distal femoral replacement and locking compression plate were: re-operation (6.1% vs 12.1%), infection (3.0% vs 5.3%), mortality (19.7% vs 19.3%), and return to pre-operative ambulatory status (60.9% vs 71.8%) (respectively). Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows no statistically significant difference in the rates of re-operation, infection, mortality or return to pre-operative ambulatory status when comparing distal femoral replacement to locking compression plate.

Osteosynthesis, hemiarthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty in hip fractures: All I need to know.

Recent data from the UK's National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) demonstrate an upward trajectory in the incidence of hip fractures, a trend which is expected to persist. In 2023 alone, the NHFD reported 72,160 cases, underscoring the prevalence of these injuries. These fractures are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. National guidelines for the surgical management of these fractures are established, although the implementation of total hip arthroplasty (THA) as a primary treatment modality varies. This review offers a narrative synthesis of contemporary literature on hip fractures, focusing on epidemiology, classification systems, and treatment options, with a particular emphasis on the outcomes of THA.

Ovine Mesenchymal Stem Cell Chondrogenesis on a Novel 3D-Printed Hybrid Scaffold In Vitro.

This study evaluated the use of silica/poly(tetrahydrofuran)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (SiO2/PTHF/PCL-diCOOH) 3D-printed scaffolds, with channel sizes of either 200 (SC-200) or 500 (SC-500) µm, as biomaterials to support the chondrogenesis of sheep bone marrow stem cells (oBMSC), under in vitro conditions. The objective was to validate the potential use of SiO2/PTHF/PCL-diCOOH for prospective in vivo ovine studies. The behaviour of oBMSC, with and without the use of exogenous growth factors, on SiO2/PTHF/PCL-diCOOH scaffolds was investigated by analysing cell attachment, viability, proliferation, morphology, expression of chondrogenic genes (RT-qPCR), deposition of aggrecan, collagen II, and collagen I (immunohistochemistry), and quantification of sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The results showed that all the scaffolds supported cell attachment and proliferation with upregulation of chondrogenic markers and the deposition of a cartilage extracellular matrix (collagen II and aggrecan). Notably, SC-200 showed superior performance in terms of cartilage gene expression. These findings demonstrated that SiO2/PTHF/PCL-diCOOH with 200 µm pore size are optimal for promoting chondrogenic differentiation of oBMSC, even without the use of growth factors.

Periprosthetic acetabular fractures as a complication of total hip arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare but potentially devastating complications of total hip arthroplasty. As the number of total hip arthroplasties performed annually increases, so has the incidence of periprosthetic fractures, with the topic being spotlighted more frequently in the orthopaedic community. There is a particular sparsity of literature regarding periprosthetic acetabular fractures, with periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty being traditionally far more commonly reported. This article aims to provide an up-to-date review of the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic challenges, classifications, and management strategies for periprosthetic acetabular fractures after total hip arthroplasty.

Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty: Past, Present and Future.

The history of hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) has faced numerous challenges and undergone decades of evolution in materials and methods. These innovations have been translated to the successes of current prostheses and represent a surgical and mechanical achievement. Modern HRAs now have long term outcomes with excellent results in specific patient groups as demonstrated in national joint registries. This article reviews the key moments in the history of HRAs with specific emphasis on the lessons learnt, current outcomes and future prospects.

Return to sport after surgical repair of the Achilles tendon.

Achilles tendon rupture is among the most common sports injuries. In patients with high functional demands, surgical repair is preferred to facilitate early return to sporting function. This article reviews the literature and provides evidence-based guidance for return to sport after operative management of Achilles tendon rupture. A search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library for all studies reporting on return to sport after operative management of Achilles tendon rupture. The review included 24 studies reporting on 947 patients, and found that 65-100% of patients were able to return to sport between 3 and 13.4 months post-injury, with incidence of rupture recurrence 0-5.74%. These findings will help patients and healthcare professionals plan a recovery timeline, discuss athletic functionality post-recovery, and understand complications of repair and risk of tendon re-rupture.

Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is successful in the management of acutely infected unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Infections are rare and poorly studied complications of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) surgery. They are significantly less common compared to infections after total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Optimal management of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after a UKA is not clearly defined in the literature. This article presents the results of the largest multicentre clinical study of UKA PJIs treated with Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, patients presenting between January 2016 and December 2019 with early UKA infection were identified at three specialist centres using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. All patients underwent a standardized treatment protocol consisting of the DAIR procedure and antibiotic therapy comprising two weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics followed by six weeks of oral therapy. The main outcome measure was overall survivorship free from reoperation for infection. RESULTS: A total of 3225 UKAs (2793 (86.2%) medial and 432 (13.8%) lateral UKAs) were performed between January 2016 and December 2019. Nineteen patients had early infections necessitating DAIR. The mean follow-up period was 32.5 months. DAIR showed an overall survivorship free from septic reoperation of 84.2%, with overall survivorship free from all-cause reoperation of 78.95%.The most common bacteria were Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Group B Streptococci. Three patients required a second DAIR procedure but remained free from re-infection at follow-up obviating the need for more demanding, staged revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In infected UKAs, the DAIR procedure produces a high rate of success, with a high survivorship of the implant.Key messagesDebridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) is a successful and minimally invasive surgical option for the management of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after UKA.The surface area available for bacteria to colonise is much smaller in UKAs compared to total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), and this may account for the higher success rates of the DAIR procedure in infected UKAs versus infected TKAs.A second DAIR procedure can be considered in the management of the early recurrence of PJIs with a well-fixed UKA.

Periprosthetic distal femur fractures around total knee replacements: A comprehensive review.

With a growing number of patients undergoing total knee replacements globally, coupled with an elderly population, the incidence of periprosthetic fractures around total knee replacements is increasing. As such, this is a highly topical subject that is gaining increasing interest within the orthopaedic community. This review provides a narrative synthesis of the most contemporary literature regarding distal femoral periprosthetic fractures. We review the related epidemiology, initial patient evaluation, the evolution and relevance of the classification systems and treatment options, particularly related to endoprosthetics and hybrid fixation constructs. The latest orthopaedic evidence related to this topic has been included.

Management of instability after primary total knee arthroplasty: an evidence-based review.

BACKGROUND: Instability is one of the most common reasons for revision after a total knee replacement. It accounts for 17.4% of all single-stage revision procedures performed in the UK National Joint Registry. Through a careful patient evaluation, physical assessment and review of investigations one can identify the likely type of instability. AIMS: To critically examine the different types of instability, their presentation and evidence-based management options. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify articles relevant to the aetiology and management of instability in total knee replacements. RESULTS: Instability should be categorised as isolated or global and then, as flexion, mid-flexion, extension or recurvatum types. By identifying the aetiology of instability one can correctly restore balance and stability. CONCLUSION: With careful judgement and meticulous surgical planning, instability can be addressed and revision surgery can provide patients with successful outcomes.

Talus Fractures: All I need to know.

Talus fractures result following high energy trauma and can lead to significant functional impairment. The complex morphology of the talus, it's multiple articulations and tenuous blood supply translate into significant challenges that must be overcome to achieve the best possible outcomes. Despite advances made in their management, they continue to have high complication rates. Nonetheless, restoration of normal alignment will optimise outcomes. In this article, we report on the epidemiology, anatomy, classification, patient evaluation and current evidence for the management of talus fractures.

Patella resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty is cost-effective and has lower re-operation rates compared to non-resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: The decision to resurface the patella as part of total knee arthroplasty may be influenced by the surgeon's preference, education, training, tradition and geographic location. Advocates for non-resurfacing or selectively resurfacing may claim no difference in patient reported outcomes, and that resurfacing is associated with increased risks such as extensor mechanism injury or malalignment, problems with the design of the patella component and technical issues intraoperatively. AIMS: To critically examine factors that should be considered in addition to patient reported outcomes in the decision process of resurfacing or non-resurfacing of the patella in total knee arthroplasty. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify factors that may influence decision making in addition to knee specific patient reported outcome measures such as surgical risks, patient quality of life, procedure cost, re-operation rate, implant design, surgeons learning curve and the fate of remaining cartilage in native patellae. RESULTS: Patient-reported outcomes are equivocal for resurfacing and non-resurfacing. Critical analysis of the available literature suggests that the complications of resurfacing the patella are historic, which is now lower with improved implant design and surgical technique. Routine resurfacing was cost-effective in the long term (potential saving £104 per case) and has lower rates of revision (absolute risk reduction 4%). Finally, surgical judgment in selective resurfacing was prone to errors. CONCLUSION: Patella resurfacing and non-resurfacing had similar patient-reported outcomes. However, patella resurfacing was cost-effective and was associated with a lower rate of re-operation compared to non-resurfacing.

Exploratory Full-Field Mechanical Analysis across the Osteochondral Tissue-Biomaterial Interface in an Ovine Model.

Osteochondral injuries are increasingly prevalent, yet success in articular cartilage regeneration remains elusive, necessitating the development of new surgical interventions and novel medical devices. As part of device development, animal models are an important milestone in illustrating functionality of novel implants. Inspection of the tissue-biomaterial system is vital to understand and predict load-sharing capacity, fixation mechanics and micromotion, none of which are directly captured by traditional post-mortem techniques. This study aims to characterize the localised mechanics of an ex vivo ovine osteochondral tissue-biomaterial system extracted following six weeks in vivo testing, utilising laboratory micro-computed tomography, in situ loading and digital volume correlation. Herein, the full-field displacement and strain distributions were visualised across the interface of the system components, including newly formed tissue. The results from this exploratory study suggest that implant micromotion in respect to the surrounding tissue could be visualised in 3D across multiple loading steps. The methodology provides a non-destructive means to assess device performance holistically, informing device design to improve osteochondral regeneration strategies.

Robotic technology in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Robotic total knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves the accuracy of implant positioning and reduces outliers in achieving the planned limb alignment compared to conventional jig-based TKA.Robotic TKA does not have a learning curve effect for achieving the planned implant positioning. The learning curve for achieving operative times comparable to conventional jig-based TKA is 7-20 robotic TKA cases.Cadaveric studies have shown robotic TKA is associated with reduced iatrogenic injury to the periarticular soft tissue envelope compared to conventional jig-based TKA.Robotic TKA is associated with decreased postoperative pain, enhanced early functional rehabilitation, and decreased time to hospital discharge compared to conventional jig-based TKA. However, there are no differences in medium- to long-term functional outcomes between conventional jig-based TKA and robotic TKA.Limitations of robotic TKA include high installation costs, additional radiation exposure, learning curves for gaining surgical proficiency, and compatibility of the robotic technology with a limited number of implant designs.Further higher quality studies are required to compare differences in conventional TKA versus robotic TKA in relation to long-term functional outcomes, implant survivorship, time to revision surgery, and cost-effectiveness. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:611-617. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.190022.

The role of electrical stimulation in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head causes significant morbidity and occurs in up to 20,000 people per year. A variety of nonoperative and operative measures have been trialled however a definitive treatment algorithm is yet to be established. Young adults in many cases have undergone multiple surgical procedures in their lifetime with increasing risks of complications. Less invasive techniques may help reduce the number of operations required and positively influence the natural history of the disease process. Our aim was to navigate the literature and examine the results of electrical stimulation of the femoral head in avascular necrosis. METHODS: The following defined search strategy was used to perform a systematic review using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases: ((avascular necrosis) OR (osteonecrosis)) AND (femoral head) AND ((electrical stimulation) OR (capacitive coupling) OR (pulsed electromagnetic fields)). Articles were reviewed and data compiled into tables for analysis. RESULTS: Fourty six articles were identified with a total of 10 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. 8 articles were prospective studies and 2 were retrospective. Early Ficat stages showed the best responses to treatment via pulsed electromagnetic fields with improvements in both clinical and radiographic parameters. Direct current and capacitative coupling have had a more ambiguous outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed electromagnetic fields may have a role in the management of early avascular necrosis. The paucity of clinical studies into this technique indicates a need for further studies.

Surgical correction for unilateral lambdoid synostosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral lambdoid synostosis is considered to be the rarest form of craniosynostosis. Since the introduction of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome "back to sleep" campaign, the incidence of unilateral lambdoid synostosis was reportedly increasing. This was proven to be false and a consequence of non-specific diagnostic criteria in excluding suture fusion from deformational changes. This, in turn, led to ambiguity in the literature in terms of features and surgical correction in the 1980s to 1990s. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: We aimed to navigate the literature for true studies of unilateral lambdoid synostosis and examine the results of their surgical corrections. TYPE OF REVIEW: A systematic review with a defined search strategy. SEARCH STRATEGY: A search on MEDLINE and Google Scholar using strategy: (Unilateral AND ((lambdoid* AND Synostosis) OR (lambdoid* AND Craniosynostosis) OR (Posterior AND Plagiocephaly)) AND (Surgery). EVALUATION METHOD: Articles were reviewed, and data were compiled into tables for analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in this review. A total of 188 patients with unilateral lambdoid synostosis were identified. No patients had major complications (venous sinus tear, neurologic injury, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage). Facial asymmetry was widely noted, and only limited improvement was achieved postoperatively. Auricular displacement was variable and often persisted despite surgery. Neurodevelopment did not deteriorate postoperatively and even improved in several patients. Endoscopic techniques revealed shorter periods of hospitalization, reduced mean estimated blood loss, and no blood transfusion requirements. The timing of surgery at 6 to 12 months was found to be the optimal balance in preventing deterioration in neurodevelopment and allowing favorable cranial growth and morphology. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence is difficult to navigate because of deformational plagiocephaly being misdiagnosed as unilateral lambdoid synostosis. Despite this, we present the only systematic review of all truly identifiable cases of unilateral lambdoid synostosis. Long-term quantitative studies are required to assess the benefits of the various surgical procedures.

The use of the free vascularised bone graft for nonunion of the scaphoid: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the scaphoid are well known to be problematic especially when complicated by avascular necrosis, nonunion and carpal collapse. Fixation techniques have involved nonvascularised bone grafting; however, in the presence of avascular necrosis, generally poor union rates (47%) occur as identified by a meta-analysis performed by Merrell et al. The introduction of pedicled vascularised bone grafts showed further improvement; however, in the presence of carpal collapse, union rates as low as 50% have been reported by Chang et al. amongst others using the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicled graft. The difficulty lies in having a short pedicle with limited manoeuvrability to correct a humpback deformity and insert into the scaphoid cavity. Prior trauma to the soft tissues or distal radius may prohibit the use of pedicled grafts. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the published evidence for the use of free vascularised bone grafts in cases of scaphoid nonunion. METHODS: A systematic review was performed with the following defined search strategy on MEDLINE and Google Scholar: ((scaphoid nonunion) OR scaphoid pseudarthrosis) AND bone graft. Articles were reviewed and data compiled into tables for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with determination of descriptive statistics, and differences between the groups were calculated using categorical variables and chi-square test. A p value of 0.05 or less was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-three articles were identified with a total of 12 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Two hundred and forty-five cases of scaphoid nonunion were identified through the articles included in this systematic review. Fifty-six patients underwent free vascularised bone grafts from the medial femoral condyle with a 100% union rate and correction of humpback deformity, and 188 patients underwent free vascularised bone grafting from the iliac crest with an 87.7% union rate. The difference between the two similar groups was statistically significant (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The promising data suggests that the medial femoral condylar free graft based on the descending genicular vessels can be considered in cases of proximal pole avascular necrosis and humpback deformity or in situations where other flaps are precluded or deemed unlikely to cause union.

The use of robotics in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery has become increasingly used due to its enhancement of visualization, precision, and articulation. It eliminates many of the problems encountered with conventional minimally invasive techniques and has been shown to result in reduced blood loss and complications. The rise in endoscopic procedures in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and associated difficulties, suggests that robotic surgery may have a role to play. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: To determine whether robotic surgery conveys any benefits compared to conventional minimally invasive approaches, specifically looking at precision, operative time, and visualization. TYPE OF REVIEW: A systematic review of the literature with a defined search strategy. SEARCH STRATEGY: Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL using strategy: ((robot* OR (robot*AND surgery)) AND (ent OR otolaryngology)) to November 2010. EVALUATION METHOD: Articles reviewed by authors and data compiled in tables for analysis. RESULTS: There were 33 references included in the study. Access and visualization were regularly mentioned as key benefits, though no objective data has been recorded in any study. Once initial setup difficulties were overcome, operative time was shown to decrease with robotic surgery, except in one controlled series of thyroid surgeries. Precision was also highlighted as an advantage, particularly in otological and skull base surgery. Postoperative outcomes were considered equivalent to or better than conventional surgery. Cost was the biggest drawback. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence base to date suggests there are benefits to robotic surgery in OHNS, particularly with regards to access, precision, and operative time but there is a lack of controlled, prospective studies with objective outcome measures. In addition, economic feasibility studies must be carried out before a robotic OHNS service is established.