Navigated functional alignment total knee arthroplasty achieves reliable, reproducible and accurate results with high patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: The decision on which technique to perform a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become more complicated over the last decade. Perceived limitations of mechanical alignment (MA) and kinematic alignment (KA) have led to the development of the functional alignment (FA) philosophy. This study aims to report the 2-year results of an initial patient cohort in terms of revision rate, PROMs and complications for Computer Aided Surgery (CAS) Navigated FA TKA. METHODS: This paper reports a single surgeon's outcomes of 165 consecutive CAS FA TKAs. The final follow-up was 24 months. Pre-operative and post-operative patient-reported outcome measures, WOMAC and KSS, and intra-operative CAS data, including alignment, kinematic curves, and gaps, are reported. Stress kinematic curves were analysed for correlation with CAS final alignment and CAS final alignment with radiographic long-leg alignment. Pre- and post-operative CPAK and knee phenotypes were recorded. Three different types of prostheses from two manufacturers were used, and outcomes were compared. Soft tissue releases, revision and complication data are also reported. RESULTS: Mean pre-operative WOMAC was 48.8 and 1.2 at the time of the final follow-up. KSS was 48.8 and 93.7, respectively. Pre- and post-operative range of motion was 118.6° and 120.1°, respectively. Pre-operative and final kinematic curve prediction had an accuracy of 91.8%. CAS data pre-operative stress alignment and final alignment strongly correlate in extension and flexion, r = 0.926 and 0.856, p < 0.001. No statistical outcome difference was detected between the types of prostheses. 14.5% of patients required soft tissue release, with the lateral release (50%) and posterior capsule (29%) being the most common. CONCLUSION: CAS FA TKA in this cohort proved to be a predictable, reliable, and reproducible technique with acceptable short-term revision rates and high PROMs. FA can account for extremes in individual patient bony morphology and achieve desired gap and kinematic targets with soft tissue releases required in only 14.5% of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (retrospective case series review).

A comparison of early fixation of distal radius fractures versus late corrective osteotomy of distal radius malunion.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal radius are common. Closed reduction and moulded casting is often the first line treatment. Malunion after casting is not uncommon and can lead to discussion on acute surgical fixation versus delayed corrective osteotomy if symptomatic. However, it is unclear if late surgery will provide similar outcomes as early intervention. METHODS: We performed a single centre, age matched, case series comparison study, comparing outcomes of patients who had undergone early fixation (ORIF) versus those who had undergone late corrective osteotomy (CO) following distal radius fracture. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were available for review, 13 in each group. Fracture patterns were similar. Reviewing CO versus ORIF; patients achieved a mean DASH; 22 versus 18 (P = 0.355), PRWE; 35 versus 26 (P = 0.237), and VAS 2 versus 2 (P = 0.490). Grip strength was significantly better in those who had undergone ORIF; 2% versus -22% (P ≤ 0.001). Range of motion was generally better with primary fixation but of doubtful clinical importance, reviewing CO versus ORIF; Flexion 46° versus 60° (P = 0.045), extension 55° versus 64° (P = 0.137), pronation 73° versus 85° (P = 0.078), supination 84° versus 84° (P = 0.747), flexion/extension arc 101 versus 124 (P = 0.017), ulnar/radial deviation arc 42° versus 59° (P = 0.01), pronation/supination arc 157° versus 168° (P = 0.118). Ulnar variance was significantly improved in the ORIF group; +0.5 mm versus +2 mm in the CO group (P = 0.023). Radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt were not significantly different between either group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that patient measured outcome of corrective osteotomy is not inferior to early internal fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (Case Series Comparison).

Computer-Aided Surgery-Navigated, Functional Alignment Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Surgical Technique.

The decision on which technique to use to perform a total knee arthroplasty has become much more complicated over the last decade. The shortfalls of mechanical alignment and kinematic alignment has led to the development of a new alignment philosophy, functional alignment. Functional alignment uses preoperative radiographic measurements, computer-aided surgery, and intraoperative assessment of balance, to leave the patient with the most "normal" knee kinematics achievable with minimal soft-tissue release. The purpose of this surgical technique article is to describe in detail the particular technique needed to achieve these alignment objectives.

Chronic Pectoralis Major Rupture Reconstruction With Interpositional Acellular Dermal Allograft.

Background: Pectoralis major tendon (PMT) rupture commonly occurs in males 20 to 39 years of age. PMT rupture is most often associated with gym-based exercise, with attempted bench press being the most common causative event, but it is also associated with contact or impact sports. Delayed presentation, misdiagnoses, and chronic PMT rupture can result in a therapeutic dilemma. Case Series: We present 2 cases of chronic PMT rupture that were operatively managed using acellular dermal allograft as an interposition graft. Patients' final follow-ups were at 20 and 30 months, respectively. Strength in their pectoralis major muscle was well preserved on the contralateral side: 88% for patient 1 and 110% for patient 2. Conclusion: Our reported technique using an interpositional acellular dermal allograft is a good option to treat chronic PMT rupture.

Patient outcomes in Tropical North Queensland after implementation of a dedicated orthopaedic trauma list.

BACKGROUND: To assess patient outcomes after the introduction of a regular orthopaedic-specific trauma list (OTL). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 422 trauma cases was performed comparing patient outcomes after the introduction of the OTL. Four common traumatic injuries requiring operative intervention were considered; closed tibial fractures, intra-capsular neck of femur fractures, displaced paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures and hand tendon injuries. The outcomes assessed included time from patient referral to theatre, time from admission to theatre, operative times, time of day operation commenced, consultant involvement, hospital length of stay (LOS), returns to theatre and mortality. RESULTS: Tibial fractures had an increased time from admission to theatre (0.46 days pre-OTL versus 1.21 days post-OTL, P = 0.01), hand tendons injuries had an increase in time from referral to theatre (1.06 days pre-OTL versus 2.82 days post-OTL, P = 0.001). Consultant involvement increased for supracondylar procedures (27% pre-OTL versus 61% post-OTL, P < 0.001) and tendinous hand injury repairs (5% pre-OTL versus 37% post-OTL, P < 0.001). There was a decrease in cases starting after 17:00 hours; however, no group reached statistical significance. There was a reduction in complications and shorter inpatient LOS, however; these were not statistically significant. There was no difference in overall operative times after OTL implementation; however, individual group differences existed between registrars and consultants. CONCLUSION: Implementing regular orthopaedic trauma lists resulted in greater consultant involvement and was associated with decreased after-hours operating. Delays to theatre increased from both time of referral and admission; however, this was not correlated with increases in significant harm.

Long term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation versus external fixation of distal radius fractures: A meta-analysis.

Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures encountered in the clinical setting. Of these common fractures, it has been said that up to 60% are intraarticular in nature. Intra-articular or unstable and comminuted fractures represent severe and high energy injuries. Despite a large amount of literature, it is surgeon preference which determines the fixation method employed. There are only a few randomised control trials that report 2-year outcomes. There has yet to be a meta-analysis comparing the long-term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and external fixation (EF). The aim of this metaanalysis is to identify any difference in the outcomes of either fixation method in the long term. We pooled the data of all the available randomised control trials that followed the patients for a minimum of 2 years and compared outcomes of ORIF against EF of distal radius fractures as per PRISMA guidelines from inception of the databases to December 2016. We then performed our meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. Flexion/extension arcs were significantly improved in ORIF, and 7 of the 10 analysed outcomes supported ORIF, although most not to a significant degree. The meta-analysis indicated that there is no difference in outcomes with either form of treatment. Even though the flexion extension arc was statistically better in the ORIF group, the difference is not clinically meaningful.

Failure of Dermal Allograft Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Massive retracted rotator cuff tears represent a therapeutic dilemma, particularly in the young and middle-aged patients who are not appropriate for a reverse total shoulder replacement. Interposition grafting using human dermal allograft offers an alternative treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent interposition grafting using human dermal allograft between December 2013 and May 2015 for massive rotator cuff tears at our tertiary referral center was performed. Preoperative and 6 month postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments were performed in all patients, with postoperative graft integrity being the primary outcome measure. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Oxford shoulder score, Constant score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of follow-up was 54 years. On MRI, 84% of grafts were seen to have failed at 6 months. Strength was grossly reduced on the operative side when supraspinatus and subscapularis were tested; despite this, Constant score (mean, 48.2) was comparable to that in the previous reports. DASH and Oxford scores were a mean of 24.94 and 37.16, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, in particular the MRI findings, we cannot advocate the use of dermal allograft as an interposition graft for the repair of massive rotator cuff tears.

Sonographic assessment of the subscapularis after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: impact of tendon integrity on shoulder function.

BACKGROUND: The deltopectoral approach for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) requires subscapularis tenotomy or lesser tuberosity osteotomy. Whether the subscapularis should be repaired at the conclusion of the procedure remains controversial. The present study sonographically assessed the subscapularis after RSA and evaluated the effect of tendon integrity on functional outcome. METHODS: All patients who had undergone RSA in the Gold Coast University Hospital between 2005 and 2016 were included. Sonography was performed by a blinded examiner. Function was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, the Constant-Murley, and Oxford Shoulder scores. Internal rotation ability was recorded on a 6-point scale. RESULTS: The study included 43 patients (48 shoulders). Median length of follow-up was 19 months (range, 4-132 months). On sonography, the subscapularis was graded intact in 6 shoulders (13%), intact with mild attenuation in 16 (33%), severely attenuated in 15 (31%), and not intact or absent in 11 (23%). Differences in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Constant-Murley, or Oxford Shoulder scores between intact and attenuated or absent subscapularis shoulders were not significant. Internal rotation scores were significantly higher in the intact and mildly attenuated tendon group than in the absent tendon group (U = 1.0, P = .001 and U = 28.5, P = .007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present work is the first long-term outcome study of RSA using sonography to assess the subscapularis. Subscapularis integrity did not appear to have a measurable effect on patient outcome as measured by standard scores but was important for internal rotation ability after RSA.

Volar locking plate fixation versus external fixation of distal radius fractures: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis evaluates reported outcomes of volar locking plates versus external fixation for management of distal radius fractures. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Multiple outcomes were analysed: study characteristics, objective/subjective outcome measures, radiographic parameters, and complication rates. Nine studies containing 780 participants met the outlined inclusion criteria. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores significantly favoured volar locking plates, but only at 3 months was the difference clinically meaningful. Grip strength, extension, and supination were better in the volar locking plates group in the early post-operative period, but were similar at 12 months. Ulnar variance was better restored by volar locking plates. The volar locking plates group was associated with higher re-operation rate, and the external fixation group had a higher infection rate. Current literature suggests that volar locking plates can provide better subjective scores and radiographic parameters, especially in the first 3 months, but may be associated with a higher re-operation rate.

The Sequelae of Metallosis Resulting in Skin Pigmentation and Tattooing: A Case Presentation and Literature Review.

With advancing technologies in orthopedics and increasing demands of the population for orthopedic interventions, younger patients are now receiving joint replacements. One of the potential risks of joint replacement is metallosis, or the local and systemic release of metal ions. Metallosis is caused by the release of metallic debris, secondary to hardware failure. The phenomenon is most commonly associated with failed metal-on-metal hip prostheses and is characterized locally by heavy staining of surrounding soft tissue, metallic synovitis, joint effusion, and gradual loosening of the prosthesis. Additionally, metallic debris can also lead to periarticular superficial skin manifestations. The release of metal ions has further been known to lead to systemic upsets including neurologic deficit (declining vision, hearing, or cognition; headaches), cardiac failure, and hypothyroidism. As the number of patients seeking major orthopedic interventions grows, the incidence of metallosis-related skin tattooing will also increase. The structural components of a failed joint replacement can be revised (improving patients' pain and functioning). However, any skin tattooing secondary to metallosis presents the treating dermatologist with clinical challenge, due to lack of research regarding treatment of this condition. Our aim is to review the published literature on metallosis, including the pathophysiology. After assessing publications on the treatment of traumatic and cosmetic tattooing, we hope to stimulate further research regarding treatment. This article should also serve to remind orthopedic surgeons that with increasing patient concern regarding cosmesis, a multispecialty approach including referral to a dermatologist is valuable.

Apparent Skin Discoloration about the Knee Joint: A Rare Sequela of Metallosis after Total Knee Replacement.

Introduction. Metallosis is a phenomenon most commonly associated with hip replacement. However it can occur in any metallic implant subject to wear. Wear creates metal debris, which is deposited in the surrounding soft tissue. This leads to many local adverse reactions including, but not limited to, implant loosening/osteolysis, pain, and effusion. In the deeper joints, for example, the hip, metal deposits are mostly only seen intraoperatively. Case Study. A 74-year-old lady represented to orthopaedic outpatient clinic. Her principle complaint was skin discolouration, associated with pain and swelling over the left knee, on the background of a previous total knee replacement with a metal backed patella resurfacing six years. A plain radiograph revealed loosening of the patellar prosthesis. A diagnosis of metallosis was made; the patient underwent debridement of the stained soft tissue and primary revision of the prosthesis. She remained symptom-free five years after revision. Discussion. Metallosis results in metallic debris which causes tissue staining, often hidden within the soft tissue envelope of the hip, but more apparent in the knee. Metallosis may cause pain, effusion, and systemic symptoms because of raised levels of serum-metal ions. Surgical intervention with revision and debridement can have good functional results.