Osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Core decompression of the femoral head is a standard surgical procedure used in the early stages of the femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) (Steinberg I to III). This study aimed to determine whether the advantages of osseoscopy-assisted core decompression using a standard arthroscopic set up in the early stages of AVN of the femoral head. Twelve hips of 12 patients who underwent osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement with the diagnosis of AVN of the femoral head were reviewed between 2019 and 2021. The etiology was idiopathic in 2 patients; ten had a history of steroid use. The preoperative and postoperative first month Harris Hip Score (HHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Standard X-rays, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were noted at preoperatively and sixth month follow-ups. In a 1-year follow-up, X-rays and MRIs were reviewed. All patients significantly improved in the VAS and HHS after the osseoscopy-assisted core decompression (P = .002). Two of the 12 patients with an initial stage of Steinberg IIC and IIB and one with Steinberg IA had a progressive femoral collapse and, therefore, had a total hip replacement at the end of the follow-up. Nine patients (75%) had satisfactory functional and radiological results in 1-year of follow-up. However, 3 patients (25%) culminated in total hip arthroplasty in a 1-year follow-up. Using an arthroscopic set up during osseoscopy-assisted core decompression surgery of the femoral head AVN has the benefits of direct visualization and accurate debridement of the involved area. The osseoscopy-assisted core decompression technique avoids excessive debridement of the healthy bone tissue adjacent to the necrotic area.

Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Complications after Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem, and 13 to 75% of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have vitamin D deficiency. Several studies have shown that low preoperative vitamin D levels may increase the risk of postoperative complications, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), in patients undergoing primary TJA. However, most of the studies are underpowered. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and surgical and medical complications after primary TJA, with a specific focus on PJI. METHODS: Prospectively collected institutional multicenter arthroplasty databases were reviewed to identify patients who underwent primary total knee and hip arthroplasty between 2019 and 2022. The study group was defined as patients whose vitamin D level is < 30 ng/dl and who received a single oral dose of 7.5 mg (300,000 IU) D3 within two weeks before index surgery (n = 488; mean age 63 years). Patients in the control group were those whose preoperative vitamin D levels were unknown and who did not receive vitamin D supplementation (n = 592, mean age 66). Demographics, comorbidities, and 90-day postoperative surgical and medical complications were recorded. The groups were compared regarding 90-day medical and surgical complications, including PJI, mortality, and readmission rates. RESULTS: The total number of complications (8.6 and 4.3%; respectively; P = 0.005), superficial wound infection (2.5 and 0.2%, respectively; P < 0.001), and postoperative cellulitis (2.2 and 0% respectively; P < 0.001) were statistically significantly higher in the patient group who did not receive vitamin D supplementation. However, 90-day mortality (P = 0.524), PJI (P = 0.23), and readmission rate (P = 0.683) were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that preoperative optimization of vitamin D levels may be beneficial in reducing postoperative complications, including superficial wound infection and postoperative cellulitis. Administering an oral 300,000 U single-dose vitamin D regimen to correct vitamin D deficiency can positively impact outcomes following primary TJA.

Intraoperative two-stage evaluation of muscle contractures in Crowe type IV hips in total hip arthroplasty (a new surgical technique).

BACKGROUND: It is important to maintain soft-tissue balance and prevent muscle contractures after hip reduction during total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). To make such hips functional and durable, the techniques to achieve soft-tissue balance were studied to create an algorithm for intraoperative 2-stage evaluation of muscle contractures, specifying the optimal order for contracture release. METHODS: Between February 2011 and March 2015, we evaluated 64 patients (75 hips) with DDH for muscle contractures as they underwent THA. Following acetabular implantation, femoral osteotomy was applied of various lengths according to limb-length discrepancy. First, the distal part of the femur was prepared by broaching, and the hip was then reduced. The tensor fascia lata, rectus femoris, sartorius, hamstrings, and adductor muscles were evaluated, and any contractures were released. A trial conjoining of the distal and proximal parts of the femur was made, and the hip was reduced again. Finally, the iliopsoas and abductor muscles were evaluated, and contractures were released. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 4.6 years. Preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Scores were 52 and 87, respectively. Limb-length discrepancy was mean 4.2 cm preoperatively, and <1 cm postoperatively. All contractures were released according to our newly developed algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: It is challenging to pinpoint the main muscle causing contractures, because other muscles acting on the hip joint have similar secondary functions. The method we describe here may provide better and more specific restoration of muscle function in a hypoplastic hemipelvis in DDH.

The Natural Course of Serum D-Dimer, C-Reactive Protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Levels After Uneventful Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the baseline levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and monitor the natural course of these serum markers after uneventful primary total joint arthroplasty. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 81 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty. The level of serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 15, and 45. Mean peak values, peak times, and distribution were compared between D-Dimer, CRP, and ESR. RESULTS: The mean preoperative serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR level was 412 ± 260 (range 200-980) ng/mL, 2.93 ± 2.1 (range 1-18) mg/L, and 22.88 ± 17.5 (range 3-102) mm/h, respectively. The highest mean peak for D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was at postoperative day 1, 3, and 5, respectively. CONCLUSION: D-dimer levels reached peak levels on postoperative day 1 and then declined rapidly to a plateau level by postoperative day 3. A second, albeit small, peak in the level of D-dimer occurred on postoperative day 15. The level of CRP and ESR remained elevated for much longer with CRP returning to baseline on postoperative day 45 and the level of ESR had not returned back to normal on postoperative day 45.

Short-term outcomes of outpatient surgery for total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: We developed an accelerated clinical pathway involving outpatient surgery for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) who are healthy enough for early discharge. METHODS: Between March 2014 and April 2015, 89 TKAs were performed at a single institution by a single orthopaedic surgeon. 31 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. All patients received 2 g tranexamic acid and 750 mg cefuroxime sodium intravenously 30 minutes prior to surgery. A multimodal protocol for perioperative pain management was used for all patients. RESULTS: 31 patients (three male, 28 female), with a mean age of 67 (range 49-78) years, who underwent TKA were enrolled in this study. The mean length of hospital stay was 28.7 (range 16-49) hours and mean duration of surgery was 92 (range 75-128) minutes. Combined spinal epidural anaesthesia was performed for 23 (74.2%) patients and general anaesthesia was used in 8 (25.8%) patients. Among the 31 patients, 23 (74.2%) patients were discharged within 23 hours of surgery. CONCLUSION: Early discharge of patients following outpatient surgery for TKA was not associated with any procedure-related complications among the selected patients up to three months postoperatively.

Results of Posterior Vertebral Column Resection: Surgical Modification of Suk Technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive, retrospective review. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and report a modified posterior vertebral column technique. METHODS: We present a retrospective analysis of 20 patients. Patients having severe 3-dimensional deformity with flexibility less than 20% and managed by posterior vertebral body resection (PVCR) between 2011 and 2014 were included in this study. There were 12 female and 8 male patients, with a mean age of 18 year (range = 3-63 years). RESULTS: The average follow-up was 3.5 years (2-5 years). The preoperative coronal plane deformity was 84° (70° to 120°) and corrected to 42° (28° to 68°), showing 60% scoliosis correction. Average preoperative local kyphotic angle was 92° (82° to 110°). Correction rate for kyphosis was 62%. All patients after surgery showed their baseline neurological status, and no complications were encountered. The mean estimated blood loss was 1072 mL (350-2000 mL). Thirty-nine percent (33% to 50%) of total blood loss occurred after vertebral body resection, and 61% (50% to 67%) blood loss occurred after the removal of posterior elements. The ratio of estimated blood loss to estimated body blood volume was 26% (range = 19% to 52%). CONCLUSION: We found that 60% of total bleeding occurs during and after posterior bone resection. Spinal cord is open to possible iatrogenic direct spinal cord injury with surgical instruments for a much shorter period of time compared with the original technique.

Does the Addition of a Dynamic Pedicle Screw to a Fusion Segment Prevent Adjacent Segment Pathology in the Lumbar Spine?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study. PURPOSE: To investigate whether the combined use of dynamic pedicle screws and polyaxial pedicle screws was effective on adjacent segment pathology (ASP). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Various screw and rod models have been recently developed for preventing adjacent segment disease, and hybrid systems have been described along with posterior instrumentation in the fusion segment. In the literature, although the success of dynamic systems has been demonstrated in non-fusion posterior instrumentation, it remains unclear whether the addition of a screw-based dynamic system to a fusion segment would successfully prevent ASP in the long term. METHODS: The study included 101 patients who underwent surgery for degenerative spine diseases between 2007 and 2014 with lumbar stabilization that used either polyaxial pedicle screws alone or polyaxial pedicle screws plus dynamic stabilization screws (with hinged screw heads). These two patient groups were compared using retrospectively obtained postoperative new clinical findings, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and radiological data. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with ASP who were radiologically assessed was low (p <0.01) in the group that underwent lumbar stabilization along with dynamic screws. Treatment outcomes were clinically successful in both groups according to ODI and VAS scores, and no significant difference was determined between the groups in terms of clinical ASP (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the combined use of dynamic screws and the static system was radiologically found to be effective for preventing ASP in patients who underwent lumbar fusion with posterior instrumentation, it did not completely eliminate ASP or result in a significant improvement in clinical ASP.

The Effect of Dislocation Type (Crowe Types I-IV) on Pelvic Development in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Radiologic Study of Anatomy.

Classification of hip pathology in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) helps in appropriate placement of implants during total hip arthroplasty. We examined preoperative unilateral and bilateral pelvic radiographs of 57 patients (114 hips) undergoing total hip arthroplasty because of DDH. Both sides of the pelvis were visually separated into 3 areas for comparison. When area ratios of hips with Crowe types II, III, and IV DDH were compared with ratios for healthy hips, values in hips with DDH were significantly low for the iliac wings, significantly high for the acetabular regions, and significantly low for the ischial area. Using a line crossing the healthy hip's teardrop and parallel to a line joining the distal sacroiliac joints is useful for calculating limb-length discrepancy.

Traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis: a case report and review of the literature.

Study Design Case report and review of the literature. Objective To report a case of traumatic L5-S1 spondyloptosis and review the literature. Method A 28-year-old man presented with severe low back pain, numbness at the soles of feet, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Two days before admission, a tree trunk fell on his back while he was seated. A two-stage posterior-anterior procedure was performed. At the first stage, posterior decompression, reduction, and fusion with instrumentation were performed. At the second stage, which was performed 6 days after the first stage, the patient underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion. The patient received physical therapy 1 week after the second stage. Results The patient's numbness improved immediately after the first posterior surgery. His fecal and urinary incontinence improved 6 months after discharge. He has been pain-free for a year and has returned to work. Conclusion A PubMed search was performed using the following keywords: lumbosacral spondyloptosis, lumbosacral dislocation, and L5-S1 traumatic dislocation. The search returned only nine reported cases of traumatic spondyloptosis. Traumatic spondyloptosis at the lumbosacral junction is a rare ailment that should be suspected in cases of high, direct, and posterior impact on the low lumbar area, and surgical treatment should be the standard choice of care.

Simultaneous versus sequential one-stage combined anterior and posterior spinal surgery for spinal infections (outcomes and complications).

To compare simultaneous with sequential one-stage (same anaesthesia) combined anterior and posterior spinal surgery in the treatment of spinal infections in terms of the operation time, blood loss and complication rate. Fifty-six patients who underwent one-stage (same anaesthesia) simultaneous or sequential anterior decompression and posterior stabilisation of the involved vertebrae for spinal infection from January 1994 to December 2002 were reviewed. In group I (n=29), sequential anterior and posterior surgery was performed. In group II (n=27), simultaneous anterior and posterior spinal surgery was performed. With regard to age and gender, there was no statistical difference between both groups (P=0.05). The analysed and compared data between the two groups included the age, gender, blood loss, operation time and postoperative complications. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the duration of surgery, amount of blood transfusion needed and occurrence of major postoperative complications (P<0.05). The mean correction of the kyphotic deformity was similar in both groups (P>0.05) without a subsequent loss of correction on follow-up radiographic films at a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 3 to 11 years). Simultaneous anterior and posterior surgery is a good alternative procedure. It provides the ability to manipulate both anterior and posterior aspects of the spine at the same time and appears to result in less blood loss, a shorter operative time and fewer complications. However, gaining experience and the availability of two surgical teams are important factors in the success of the procedure.