No difference in long-term development of rotator cuff rupture and muscle volumes in impingement patients with or without decompression.

Background and purpose - Arthroscopic acromioplasty is still commonly used in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome, even though its benefits are questioned; randomized controlled studies have not shown any benefits when compared to non-operative treatment. In this randomized study, we investigated whether operative treatment protects from later rotator cuff rupture and whether it has any effect on the development of rotator cuff muscle volume. Patients and methods - 140 stage-II impingement patients were randomized to a structured exercise group (n = 70) or to an operative group (n = 70). In the operative group, arthroscopic acromioplasty was performed, after which a similar structured exercise program was begun. MRI of the shoulder was done at baseline and at 5 years. Results - There were no statistically significant differences in either the amount of perforating ruptures of the supraspinatus tendon or in the changes in muscle volume at 5 years. The grading of muscle fatty degeneration showed worse results in the operative group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Interpretation - In this study, we found that arthroscopic acromioplasty does not have any long-term benefit based on radiological findings of muscle volumes. Also, the frequency of later rotator cuff rupture was similar irrespective of whether or not surgery was performed. Acromioplasty is not justified as a treatment for dynamic shoulder impingement syndrome.

Prevalence of Failure due to Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris in Modern, Medium and Large Diameter Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements--The Effect of Novel Screening Methods: Systematic Review and Metaregression Analysis.

Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements were used for almost a decade before adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) were found to be a true clinical problem. Currently, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the usefulness of systematic screening for ARMD. We implemented a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish the prevalence of revision confirmed ARMD stratified by the use of different screening protocols in patients with MoM hip replacements. Five levels of screening were identified: no screening (level 0), targeted blood metal ion measurement and/or cross-sectional imaging (level 1), metal ion measurement without imaging (level 2), metal ion measurement with targeted imaging (level 3) and comprehensive screening (both metal ions and imaging for all; level 4). 122 studies meeting our eligibility criteria were included in analysis. These studies included 144 study arms: 100 study arms with hip resurfacings, 33 study arms with large-diameter MoM total hip replacements (THR), and 11 study arms with medium-diameter MoM THRs. For hip resurfacing, the lowest prevalence of ARMD was seen with level 0 screening (pooled prevalence 0.13%) and the highest with level 4 screening (pooled prevalace 9.49%). Pooled prevalence of ARMD with level 0 screening was 0.29% and with level 4 screening 21.3% in the large-diameter MoM THR group. In metaregression analysis of hip resurfacings, level 4 screening was superior with regard to prevalence of ARMD when compared with other levels. In the large diameter THR group level 4 screening was superior to screening 0,2 and 3. These outcomes were irrespective of follow-up time or study publication year. With hip resurfacings, routine cross-sectional imaging regardless of clinical findings is advisable. It is clear, however, that targeted metal ion measurement and/or imaging is not sufficient in the screening for ARMD in any implant concepts. However, economic aspects should be weighed when choosing the preferred screening level.

Gluteal muscle fatty atrophy is not associated with elevated blood metal ions or pseudotumors in patients with a unilateral metal-on-metal hip replacement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are no international guidelines to define adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). Muscle fatty atrophy has been reported to be common in patients with failing metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements. We assessed whether gluteal muscle fatty atrophy is associated with elevated blood metal ion levels and pseudotumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 263 consecutive patients with unilateral ASR XL total hip replacement using a posterior approach and with an unoperated contralateral hip were included in the study. All patients had undergone a standard screening program at our institution, including MRI and blood metal ion measurement. Muscle fatty atrophy was graded as being absent, mild, moderate, or severe in each of the gluteal muscles. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate-to-severe gluteal muscle atrophy was low (12% for gluteus minimus, 10% for gluteus medius, and 2% for gluteus maximus). Muscle atrophy was neither associated with elevated blood metal ion levels (> 5 ppb) nor with the presence of a clear (solid- or mixed-type) pseudotumor seen in MRI. A combination of moderate-to-severe atrophy in MRI, elevated blood metal ion levels, and MRI-confirmed mixed or solid pseudotumor was rare. Multivariable regression revealed that "preoperative diagnosis other than osteoarthrosis" was the strongest predictor of the presence of fatty atrophy. INTERPRETATION: Gluteal muscle atrophy may be a clinically significant finding with influence on hip muscle strength in patients with MoM hip replacement. However, our results suggest that gluteal muscle atrophy seen in MRI is not associated with either the presence or severity of ARMD, at least not in patients who have been operated on using the posterior approach.

Femoral diameter and stem type are independent risk factors for ARMD in the large-headed ASR THR group.

BACKGROUND: Adverse soft-tissue reaction to metal debris (ARMD) continues to be major source of concern in metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements. In our earlier study we were able to establish several risk factors for ARMD in patients who had received a small-diameter (<50 mm) Articular Surface Replacement (ASR, DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA). The aims of the present study were to analyze whether these previously established risk factors also apply to patients who have received a large-headed (>50 mm) ASR™ XL THR. METHODS: Large-headed ASR total hip replacements were used in 225 operations (196 patients) at our institution. 176 patients (203 hips) attended a screening programme, consisting of a clinical evaluation, whole blood cobalt and chromium measurements, and cross-sectional imaging. RESULTS: Revision surgery was performed on 84 hips (37%) in 75 patients. ARMD was diagnosed in the majority (n = 73 [87%]) of these revisions. Cumulative 8-year survivorship was 52%. The previously established risk factors for ARMD were not applicable. Interestingly, increasing femoral diameter and stem type were identified as independent risk factors for ARMD but reduced cup coverage had no significant association with ARMD. CONCLUSIONS: Stem type and increasing femoral size as independent risk factors for ARMD in the cohort of ASR XL THR patients, support the importance of taper failure in the development of ARMD. The present results suggest that the degree of taper failure may be variable and dependent on the taper design.

Revision of Metal-on-metal Hip Prostheses Results in Marked Reduction of Blood Cobalt and Chromium Ion Concentrations.

BACKGROUND: High revision rates attributable to adverse reactions to metal debris have been reported for total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with metal-on-metal implants and hip resurfacings. The effect of revision on blood metal ion levels is described only in small series, the clinical results of revisions have been contradictory, and concerns regarding component loosening have been presented. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Did revision surgery result in a reduction to normal for whole blood cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) levels (2) What changes to the Oxford Hip Score were observed after revision of these hips with metal-on-metal implants? (3) Were there radiologic signs of component loosening observed on 1-year followup radiographs? METHODS: Between September 2010 and April 2013, 154 patients (166 hips) who had THAs with implantation of the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR™) system and 44 patients (49 hips) who had hip resurfacings of the ASR™ implant underwent revision surgery for adverse reactions to metal debris at our institution, after recall of these components in August 2010. General indications for revision of these implants included a symptomatic hip and/or a predominantly solid pseudotumor seen on cross-sectional imaging. Since recall, patients were systematically followed after revision with Oxford Hip Score questionnaires, blood Co and Cr measurements (analyzed from whole blood with dynamic reaction-cell inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry), and plain radiographs at 2 and 12 months after revision surgery, and thereafter at 2-year intervals. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative blood Co and Cr values were available for 93% (185 of 198 patients), Oxford Hip Score for 76% (151 of 198 patients), and plain radiographs for all patients. RESULTS: Whole-blood levels of Co decreased below the 7 ppb cut-off value in all patients with revision of unilateral THA or resurfacing, however, blood Cr levels remained elevated in four of 90 patients (4%) in the unilateral THA group and four of 34 patients (12%) in the unilateral resurfacing group. All had ultrahigh (> 40 ppb) preoperative Cr levels. Cr levels remained elevated in six of the patients at the 3-year followup. The median Oxford Hip Score improved from preoperative to 1-year postoperative in the unilateral THA group (38 [4-48] to 40 [9-48], p = 0.049) and in the unilateral hip resurfacing group (37.5 [9-48] to 44 [13-48], p = 0.011). No improvement was seen in patients who had bilateral THAs (37 [14-48] to 41 [9-48], p = 0.196). Only minor radiographic abnormalities were seen, with no suspicion of component loosening. CONCLUSIONS: Metal-on-metal THAs and resurfacings have raised concerns and an emerging rate of revisions has been seen for many different metal-on-metal hip prostheses worldwide. Revision surgery seems to be effective for removal of the systemic metal ion burden, even though blood Cr remained elevated in a few patients for more than 3 years after removal of the metal-on-metal implant. In patients with bilateral metal-on-metal hip replacements the remaining metal-on-metal implant still supplies the body with Co and Cr ions after a unilateral revision, and therefore followup should be continued. Adverse reactions to metal debris do not seem to compromise implant ingrowth after revision surgery. However, as some of our patients still had a poor functional outcome at 12 months after revision surgery, additional research is warranted to determine the optimal time for patients to undergo revision surgery for suspected adverse reactions to metal debris. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Good sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detecting pseudotumors in 83 failed metal-on-metal hip replacements.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ultrasound is used for imaging of pseudotumors associated with metal-on-metal (MoM) hips. Ultrasound has been compared with magnetic resonance imaging, but to date there have been no studies comparing ultrasound findings and revision findings. METHODS: We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of preoperative ultrasound for detecting pseudotumors in 82 patients with MoM hip replacement (82 hips). Ultrasound examinations were performed by 1 of 3 musculoskeletal radiologists, and pseudotumors seen by ultrasound were retrospectively classified as fluid-filled, mixed-type, or solid. Findings at revision surgery were retrieved from surgical notes and graded according to the same system as used for ultrasound findings. RESULTS: Ultrasound had a sensitivity of 83% (95% CI: 63-93) and a specificity of 92% (CI: 82-96) for detecting trochanteric region pseudotumors, and a sensitivity of 79% (CI: 62-89) and a specificity of 94% (CI: 83-98) for detecting iliopsoas-region pseudotumors. Type misclassification of pseudotumors found at revision occurred in 8 of 23 hips in the trochanteric region and in 19 of 33 hips in the iliopsoas region. INTERPRETATION: Despite the discrepancy in type classification between ultrasound and revision findings, the presence of pseudotumors was predicted well with ultrasound in our cohort of failed MoM hip replacements.

Hypertrophy of the flexor hallucis longus muscle after tendon transfer in patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture.

BACKGROUND: Flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHLT) transfer has become a popular method for reconstructing a chronic Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and possible hypertrophy of the FHL muscle after FHLT transfer in patients with chronic ATR. METHODS: Seven patients with chronic ATR underwent an FHLT transfer to heel through single incision. The patients were clinically evaluated 27 (16-39) months after the surgery. The patient satisfaction was assessed with Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Scale (ATRS). Isokinetic strength was measured from both legs. The FHL muscle hypertrophy was evaluated from MRI of both legs. All subjects also performed a gait analysis with an instrumented walkway system (GAITRite(®)). RESULTS: The plantar flexion strength was 16.1% (-45, 7-2, 4%) weaker in the operated leg. ATRS scores averaged 70.3. Marked hypertrophy, +52% (9-104%) of the FHL muscle was seen in the operated leg compared to the non-operated leg. The gait analysis did not show any marked pathology in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: A mean hypertrophy of 52% of the FHL muscle was found after FHLT transfer for the chronic ATR. This indicates strong adaptation capacity of this muscle after FLHT transfer in situation where the function of the gastro-soleus complex was severely impaired preoperatively. The reconstruction of chronic ATR with FHLT transfer provided a good functional outcome and excellent patient satisfaction.

Repeated magnetic resonance imaging in 154 hips with large-diameter metal-on-metal hip replacement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The US Food and Drug Administration and the UK Medicines and Health Regulation Agency recommend using MRI in the evaluation of patients with large-diameter metal-on-metal (LD-MoM) hips. Such recommendations do not take into account the relevance of repeated cross-sectional imaging. We therefore investigated the natural course of pseudotumors in patients with LD-MoM hip replacements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 888 ASR patients (1,036 hips) 674 patients (798 hips) underwent 2 follow-up visits at our institution. Of these, we identified 124 patients (154 hips) who had undergone repeated clinical assessment including MRI and whole-blood metal ion assessment. RESULTS: A change in classification in imaging findings between the 2 MRIs was seen in 17 of the 154 hips (11%). In 13 hips (8%), a significant progression of the pseudotumor was evident, while in 4 (3 %) there was a retrogressive change. 10 of these 13 hips had had a normal first MRI. Patients with a progressive change in the scans did not differ significantly from those without a change in MRI classification regarding follow-up time, time interval between MRIs, or changes in whole-blood Cr and Co levels between assessments. INTERPRETATION: A change in classification was rare, considering that all patients had a clinical indication for repeated imaging. Progression of the findings did not appear to correlate clearly with symptoms or whole-blood metal values.

Outcome of Birmingham hip resurfacing at ten years: role of routine whole blood metal ion measurements in screening for pseudotumours.

PURPOSE: Emerging concern has arisen because of recent papers reporting a high prevalence of pseudotumours (PTs), even in patients with surface arthroplasties with a good clinical track record. The aim of our study was to establish the ten year survivorship of Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR), to investigate whole blood (WB) metal ion levels and prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMeD) and to determine the association of blood metal ion levels and symptoms with ARMeD in patients operated on with BHR at our institution. METHODS: Between May 2001 and May 2004, 261 consecutive BHRs were implanted in 219 patients. All living, nonrevised patients underwent a systematic screening programme consisting of clinical examination, WB cobalt and chromium measurements and targeted cross-sectional imaging. RESULTS: The ten year survival for the entire cohort was 91% (89-93%), with any revision as the endpoint. Prevalence of ARMeD was 6.9% in male and 8.8% in female patients. Symptomatic patients with elevated metal ion levels evinced highest prevalence (63%) of PTs compared with asymptomatic patients with elevated metal ion levels (42%) and symptomatic patients with nonelevated metal ions (11%). CONCLUSIONS: Contradicting the current international guidelines, our results suggest that it seems beneficial to combine routine metal ion measurement with clinical assessment, even in patients with well-functioning BHRs. Further follow-up will reveal whether new PTs will develop in these patients and BHR survivorship in the longer term.

Comparison of extracapsular pseudotumors seen in magnetic resonance imaging and in revision surgery of 167 failed metal-on-metal hip replacements.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important for detecting extracapsular pseudotumors, but there is little information on the accuracy of MRI and appropriate intervals for repeated imaging. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of MRI for detecting pseudotumors in 155 patients (167 hips) with metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasties that failed due to adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). METHODS: Preoperative MRIs were performed with two 1.5 T MRI scanners and graded by a senior musculoskeletal radiologist using a previously described MRI pseudotumor grading system. Revision findings were retrieved from surgical notes, and pseudotumors were retrospectively graded as fluid-filled, mixed-type, or solid. RESULTS: The sensitivity of MRI was 71% and the specificity was 87% for detecting extracapsular pseudotumors. The sensitivity was 88% (95% CI: 70-96) when MRI was performed less than 3 months before the revision surgery. Interestingly, when the time that elapsed between MRI and revision was more than 1 year, the sensitivity calculated was only 29% (95% CI: 14-56). Comparison between MRI and revision classifications gave moderate agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.4). INTERPRETATION: A recent MRI predicts the presence of a pseudotumor well, but there is more discrepancy when the MRI examination is over a year old, most likely due to the formation of new pseudotumors. 1 year could be a justifiable limit for considering a new MRI if development of ARMD is suspected. MRI images over a year old should not be used in decision making or in planning of revision surgery for MoM hips.

[Imaging of inflammatory back pain]. / Tulehduksellisen selkäkivun kuvantamis- diagnostiikka.

We recommend magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints as the first line imaging method in suspected inflammatory back disorder. Plain X-ray can be taken from those over 35 years of age. A nonconclusive finding in plain X-ray should be verified by MR imaging. For the present, diagnostic criteria for spondylarthritis do not take into account spinal changes. Typical spinal findings can, however, be helpful in making treatment decisions. In case the spinal region MR imaging should be utilized if possible, because radiography is particularly insensitive for thoracic spine. After a confirmed diagnosis, the inflammatory nature of the condition can usually be assessed clinically.

High prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris in small-headed ASR™ hips.

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing concern of metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacements regarding adverse reactions to metal debris. Information regarding prevalence and risk factors for these adverse reactions is scarce. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The primary purposes of our study were to determine (1) the prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris among patients who received small-headed (< 50 mm) Articular Surface Replacement (ASR™) prostheses in hip resurfacing procedures or the ASR™ XL prostheses during THAs at our institution, and (2) the risk factors for adverse reactions to metal debris and if they are different in hip resurfacing replacements compared with THAs? METHODS: Small-headed ASR™ prostheses were used in 482 operations (424 patients) at our institution. After the recall of ASR™ prostheses, we established a systematic screening program to find patients with adverse reactions to metal debris. At a mean of 4.9 years (range, 0.2-8.1 years) postoperatively, 379 patients (435 hips) attended a screening program, which consisted of clinical evaluation, whole blood cobalt and chromium measurements, and cross-sectional imaging. RESULTS: At followup, 162 hips (34%) have been revised. The majority (85%) were revised owing to causes related to adverse reactions to metal debris. The 7-year survivorship was 51% for the ASR™ hip replacement cohort and 38% for the ASR™ XL THA cohort, respectively. Reduced cup coverage was an independent risk factor for adverse reactions to metal debris in both cohorts. High preoperative ROM, use of the Corail(®) stem, and female gender were associated with an increased risk of adverse reactions to metal debris only in patients undergoing THA. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse reactions to metal debris are common with small-headed ASR™ prostheses. Risk factors for these adverse reactions differ between hip resurfacing procedures and THAs. Our results suggest a more complicated failure mechanism in THAs than in hip resurfacing procedures.

Conservative treatment, plate fixation, or prosthesis for proximal humeral fracture. A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fracture is the third most common fracture type after hip and distal radius fracture in elderly patients. A comprehensive study by Palvanen et al. demonstrated an increase in the annual fracture rate of 13.7% per year over the past 33 years. Should this trend continue, the fracture rate would triple over the next three decades. The increasing incidence of low-energy fractures raises questions about the optimal treatment in terms of functional outcome, pain, and rehabilitation time, as well as the economical impact. Despite the high incidence and costs of proximal humerus fractures, there is currently no valid scientific evidence for the best treatment method. Several publications, including a Cochrane review outline the need for high-quality, well-designed randomized controlled trials. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a prospective, randomized, national multi-center trial. The hypothesis of the trial is that surgical treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures achieves better functional outcome, pain relief, and patient satisfaction compared to conservative treatment. The trial is designed to compare conservative and surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures in patients 60 years and older. The trial includes two strata. Stratum I compares surgical treatment with locking plates to conservative treatment for two-part fractures. Stratum II compares multi-fragmented fractures, including three- and four-part fractures. The aim of Stratum II is to compare conservative treatment, surgical treatment with the Philos locking plate, and hemiarthroplasty with an Epoca prosthesis. The primary outcome measure will be the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the secondary outcome measures will be the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) value, OSS, Constant-Murley Score, VAS, and 15D.Recruiting time will be 3 years. The results will be analyzed after the 2-year follow-up period. DISCUSSION: This publication presents a prospective, randomized, national multi-center trial. It gives details of patient flow, randomization, aftercare and also ways of analysis of the material and ways to present and publish the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01246167.

Long-term results of finger reconstruction with microvascular toe transfers after trauma.

Amputation of all or most of the fingers severely disturbs the gripping function of the hand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional results of finger-amputation patients rehabilitated with microvascular toe transfers. Fifteen such patients (10 males, median age at injury 26 years (range 5-49 years)) were examined after a median follow-up of 18 years. Eight patients had no fingers spared by the initial trauma and the rest had at least two fingers amputated. The function of the hand was accessed subjectively (questionnaires) and objectively (tests). Further, physical parameters were measured and compared to the other healthy hand. Patients scored consistently well in the test measuring function (the Sollerman hand function test and the modified Tamai score). Activities of daily living presented on average minor difficulties. Patients regained on average 42% of grip and 84% of key pinch strength compared to the other hand. The average movement of the transfer was 28°. One transfer was lost due to inability to restore permanent circulation. In addition, there were one donor and one recipient site superficial infections. We conclude that microvascular toe transfer is a reliable way to improve gripping function after amputation of fingers. Patient approval is generally good and the achieved function satisfactory. Two toe transfers should be considered for patients with no fingers left. Work-related injury may be related to decreased occupational capability.