Early outcomes of total hip arthroplasty using point-of-care manufactured patient-specific instruments: a single university hospital's initial experience.

BACKGROUND: The use of 3D-printed Patient-Specific Instruments (PSI) has been investigated to enhance the postoperative functional results in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and has been recognized as an innovative approach for the optimal alignment of hip implant components. Point-of-care production is gradually becoming the norm for PSI manufacturing. The purpose of this article is to assess the accuracy and safety of PSI for total hip arthroplasty performed at the point-of-care in Vietnam. METHODS: 34 THA cases were assessed in this prospective study. A template for the size and orientation of the implant and the design of the PSI was generated using data from preoperative 3D computed tomography (CT) scanning of the lower limb. The principal surgeon determined the implants' position and PSI design directly using the software. The PSI is then produced using a 3D-compatible resin printer in our manufacturing hospital. The PSI, consisting of an acetabulum and a femoral component placed press-fit on the bony surface, guided surgeons to precisely ream the acetabulum and cut the femoral neck according to the pre-planned plane. Postoperative CT scanning was obtained and superimposed onto the 3D model of the implant to evaluate the accuracy of the procedure by comparing the orientation values of the cup and the alignment of the stem between the planned and the actual results. Intra- and postoperative clinical parameters of surgery, including surgical time, intra-operative blood loss, complications, and the first ambulation, were also recorded to evaluate the safety of the surgery. RESULTS: The preparation for PSI required an average of 3 days. 94% of cup size and 91% of stem size were correctly selected. The mean values of postoperative inclination and anteversion were 44.2° ± 4.1° and 19.2° ± 5.6°, respectively. 64.7% of cases deviated from planned within the ± 50 range and 94.1% within the ± 10° range. There was no significant statistical difference between the planned and the achieved values of stem anteversion, osteotomy height, and leg length discrepancy (p > 0.05). The average surgical time was 82.5° ± 10.8 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was estimated at 317.7° ± 57.6 ml. 64.7% of patients could walk on the day of surgery. There were no complications reported. CONCLUSIONS: The point-of-care manufactured PSI is a useful solution for improving the accuracy of total hip arthroplasty surgery, especially in restoring implant orientation and reducing leg length discrepancy. However, long-term clinical follow-up evaluation is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this approach.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery: a case study in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: This study aims at investigating the outcome and electrophysiologic recovery of 150 carpal tunnel syndrome hands after single-portal endoscopic surgery. METHODS: Patients with the cross-sectional area of the median nerve being 13-15 mm2 on ultrasound or abnormal sensory nerve conduction velocity on EMG are assigned to endoscopic surgery that cuts the decompressing transverse ligament to avoid the emergence of severe symptoms, such as muscular atrophy and loss of hand function. RESULTS: Single-portal endoscopic release is a safe and efficacious option for carpal tunnel release. The findings demonstrate encouraging results. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic carpal tunnel release with the placement of a MicroAire system is a safe and effective method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.