Clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of robotic assisted versus conventional total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to compare important clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes between robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RATHA) and conventional total hip arthroplasty (COTHA) in patients with hip osteoarthritis. We identified published RCTs comparing RATHA with COTHA in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently performed study screening, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Main outcomes were major complications, revision, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and radiological outcomes. We included 8 RCTs involving 1014 patients and 977 hips. There was no difference in major complication rate (Relative Risk (RR) 0.78; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.22 to 2.74), revision rate (RR 1.33; 95%CI 0.08 to 22.74), and PROMs (standardized mean difference 0.01; 95%CI - 0.27 to 0.30) between RATHA and COTHA. RATHA resulted in little to no effects on femoral stem alignment (mean difference (MD) - 0.57 degree; 95%CI - 1.16 to 0.03) but yielded overall lower leg length discrepancy (MD - 4.04 mm; 95%CI - 7.08 to - 1.0) compared to COTHA. Most combined estimates had low certainty of evidence mainly due to risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. Based on the current evidence, there is no important difference in clinical and functional outcomes between RATHA and COTHA. The trivial higher radiological accuracy was also unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Regardless, more robust evidence is needed to improve the quality and strength of the current evidence.PROSPERO registration: the protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023453294). All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

The characteristics and predictors of mortality in periprosthetic fractures around the knee.

Aims: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) around the knee are challenging injuries. This study aims to describe the characteristics of knee PPFs and the impact of patient demographics, fracture types, and management modalities on in-hospital mortality. Methods: Using a multicentre study design, independent of registry data, we included adult patients sustaining a PPF around a knee arthroplasty between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Univariate, then multivariable, logistic regression analyses were performed to study the impact of patient, fracture, and treatment on mortality. Results: Out of a total of 1,667 patients in the PPF study database, 420 patients were included. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.4%. Multivariable analyses suggested that American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), history of rheumatic disease, fracture around a loose implant, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) during hospital stay were each independently associated with mortality. Each point increase in ASA grade independently correlated with a four-fold greater mortality risk (odds ratio (OR) 4.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19 to 14.06); p = 0.026). Patients with PVD have a nine-fold increase in mortality risk (OR 9.1 (95% CI 1.25 to 66.47); p = 0.030) and patients with rheumatic disease have a 6.8-fold increase in mortality risk (OR 6.8 (95% CI 1.32 to 34.68); p = 0.022). Patients with a fracture around a loose implant (Unified Classification System (UCS) B2) have a 20-fold increase in mortality, compared to UCS A1 (OR 20.9 (95% CI 1.61 to 271.38); p = 0.020). Mode of management was not a significant predictor of mortality. Patients managed with revision arthroplasty had a significantly longer length of stay (median 16 days; p = 0.029) and higher rates of return to theatre, compared to patients treated nonoperatively or with fixation. Conclusion: The mortality rate in PPFs around the knee is similar to that for native distal femur and neck of femur fragility fractures. Patients with certain modifiable risk factors should be optimized. A national PPF database and standardized management guidelines are currently required to understand these complex injuries and to improve patient outcomes.

Predictors of mortality in periprosthetic fractures of the hip: Results from the national PPF study.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) around the hip joint are increasing in prevalence. In this collaborative study, we aimed to investigate the impact of patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and modes of management on in-hospital mortality of PPFs involving the hip. METHODS: Using a multi-centre cohort study design, we retrospectively identified adults presenting with a PPF around the hip over a 10-year period. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to study the independent correlation between patient, fracture, and treatment factors on mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,109 patients were included. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.3%. Multivariable analyses suggested that age, male sex, abbreviated mental test score (AMTS), pneumonia, renal failure, history of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and deep surgical site infection were each independently associated with mortality. Each yearly increase in age independently correlates with a 7% increase in mortality (OR 1.07, p=0.019). The odds of mortality was 2.99 times higher for patients diagnosed with pneumonia during their hospital stay [OR 2.99 (95% CI 1.07-8.37) p=0.037], and 7.25 times higher for patients that developed renal failure during their stay [OR 7.25 (95% CI 1.85-28.47) p=0.005]. Patients with history of PVD have a six-fold greater mortality risk (OR 6.06, p=0.003). Mode of treatment was not a significant predictor of mortality. CONCLUSION: The in-hospital mortality rate of PPFs around the hip exceeds 5%. The fracture subtype and mode of management are not independent predictors of mortality, while patient factors such as age, AMTS, history of PVD, pneumonia, and renal failure can independently predict mortality. Peri-operative optimisation of modifiable risk factors such as lung and kidney function in patients with PPFs around the hip during their hospital stay is of utmost importance.

Characteristics and risk factors of UCS fracture subtypes in periprosthetic fractures around the hip.

Aims: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) following hip arthroplasty are complex injuries. This study evaluates patient demographic characteristics, management, outcomes, and risk factors associated with PPF subtypes over a decade. Methods: Using a multicentre collaborative study design, independent of registry data, we identified adults from 29 centres with PPFs around the hip between January 2010 and December 2019. Radiographs were assessed for the Unified Classification System (UCS) grade. Patient and injury characteristics, management, and outcomes were compared between UCS grades. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to estimate relative risk ratios (RRR) of variables on UCS grade. Results: A total of 1,104 patients were included. The majority were female (57.9%; n = 639), ethnically white (88.5%; n = 977), used mobility aids (67%; n = 743), and had a median age of 82 years (interquartile range (IQR) 74 to 87). A total of 77 (7%) had pain prior to the PPF. The most common UCS grade was B2 (33%; n = 368). UCS type D fractures had the longest length of stay (median 19 days (IQR 11 to 26)), highest readmission to hospital (21%; n = 9), and highest rate of discharge to step-down care (52%; n = 23). Multinomial regression suggests that uncemented femoral stems are associated with a reduced risk of UCS C (RRR 0.36 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 0.7); p = 0.002) and increased risk of UCS A (RRR 3.3 (95% CI 1.9 to 5.7); p < 0.001), compared to UCS B fracture. Conclusion: The most common PPF type in elderly frail patients is UCS B2. Uncemented stems have a lower risk of UCS C fractures compared to cemented stems. A national PPF database is needed to further identify correlation between implants and fracture subtypes.

The British Orthopaedic Oncology Management (BOOM) audit.

Aims: Most patients with advanced malignancy suffer bone metastases, which pose a significant challenge to orthopaedic services and burden to the health economy. This study aimed to assess adherence to the British Orthopaedic Oncology Society (BOOS)/British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) guidelines on patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD) in the UK. Methods: A prospective, multicentre, national collaborative audit was designed and delivered by a trainee-led collaborative group. Data were collected over three months (1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021) for all patients presenting with MBD. A data collection tool allowed investigators at each hospital to compare practice against guidelines. Data were collated and analyzed centrally to quantify compliance from 84 hospitals in the UK for a total of 1,137 patients who were eligible for inclusion. Results: A total of 846 patients with pelvic and appendicular MBD were analyzed, after excluding those with only spinal metastatic disease. A designated MBD lead was not present in 39% of centres (33/84). Adequate radiographs were not performed in 19% of patients (160/846), and 29% (247/846) did not have an up-to-date CT of thorax, abdomen, and pelvis to stage their disease. Compliance was low obtaining an oncological opinion (69%; 584/846) and prognosis estimations (38%; 223/846). Surgery was performed in 38% of patients (319/846), with the rates of up-to-date radiological investigations and oncology input with prognosis below the expected standard. Of the 25% (215/846) presenting with a solitary metastasis, a tertiary opinion from a MBD centre and biopsy was sought in 60% (130/215). Conclusion: Current practice in the UK does not comply with national guidelines, especially regarding investigations prior to surgery and for patients with solitary metastases. This study highlights the need for investment and improvement in care. The recent publication of British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) defines auditable standards to drive these improvements for this vulnerable patient group.

The management of non-diagnostic soft tissue tumour biopsies using a multi-disciplinary team approach: A 10-year retrospective review at a specialist sarcoma unit.

Non-Diagnostic (ND) biopsies are occasionally encountered during the investigation of soft tissue sarcoma. We performed a retrospective review of all ND soft tissue biopsies discussed at our regional Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting between 2004 & 2014 with the aim of establishing the incidence of ND biopsies, identifying predictive factors for repeat biopsies and evaluating the effectiveness of MDT decisions. We identified 80 ND out of 3233 biopsies. Diagnostic Yield (DY) was 97.5%, 76.0% and 77.8% for the first, second and third successive biopsy respectively. With an MDT approach utilising radiological and clinical information, the diagnostic success rate achieved was 98.5%, 82.0% and 77.8% for the first, second and third biopsies respectively. Malignant tumours (sarcoma & carcinoma) were 19 times more likely to undergo an increasing number of biopsies compared to benign lesions (p < 0.01), while repeat biopsies were less useful for suspected benign lesion. Although a repeat biopsy was only performed in 63% of cases, there were no patients originally diagnosed with a benign lesion that re-presented with the same lesion subsequently being malignant throughout the study period. Our study shows that a specialist MDT approach leads to high diagnostic rates and is a safe and effective method of preventing unnecessary, repeat biopsies where the initial biopsy is ND.

A Multidisciplinary Team Approach Is Highly Effective in the Management of Nondiagnostic Bone Tumour Biopsies: A 10-Year Retrospective Review at a Specialist Sarcoma Unit.

Nondiagnostic (ND) biopsies are frequently encountered during the investigation of bone tumours and can lead to treatment delay. We performed a retrospective review of all ND bone tumour biopsies discussed at our regional MDT meeting between 2004 and 2014 with the aim of establishing the incidence of ND biopsies, identifying any factors that could predict the requirement for repeat biopsies, and evaluating the effectiveness of multidisciplinary team (MDT) decisions. We identified 98 ND out of 4949 biopsies. Diagnostic yield (DY) was 98%, 76%, and 40% for the first, second, and third successive biopsy, respectively. With an MDT approach utilising radiological and clinical information, the diagnostic success rate achieved was 99%, 85%, and 80% for the first, second, and third biopsies, respectively. Although a repeat biopsy was only performed in 34% of cases, there were no patients originally diagnosed with a benign lesion that re-presented with the same lesion subsequently being malignant throughout the study period. Malignant primary bone tumours (p < 0.01) and malignant secondary tumours (p=0.02) were more likely to undergo repeat biopsy compared to benign and infective lesions. Upper limb (p=0.04) and lower limb (p=0.03) were more likely than pelvic and spinal tumours to undergo a repeat biopsy. Tumours of haematological origin frequently required multiple biopsies. Our study demonstrated that a specialist MDT approach leads to high diagnostic rates and is a safe and effective method of preventing unnecessary, repeat biopsies where the initial biopsy is ND.

Outcomes of persistent intraoperative type Ia endoleak after standard endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed outcomes for patients with persistent intraoperative type Ia endoleaks after standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: The study group was identified from a consecutive cohort of 209 patients undergoing EVAR in a tertiary center in the United Kingdom during a 2-year period. Data prospectively collected on departmental computerized databases were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome parameters were defined as freedom from type Ia endoleak, EVAR-related reintervention, aneurysm rupture, and aneurysm-related mortality. RESULTS: A completion angiogram identified 44 patients (21%) as having a type Ia endoleak, and 33 (75%) had a persistent endoleak after intraoperative adjunctive procedures, including repeated balloon moulding, aortic cuff extension, and Palmaz stent (Cordis, Miami Lakes, Fla) deployment. In the 11 patients (25%) whose endoleak was successfully abolished intraoperatively, there was no recurrence of type Ia endoleak or secondary intervention to treat type 1a endoleak during a median follow-up period of 27 months. Of the 33 patients with persistent endoleak, 31 (94%) demonstrated resolution of the endoleak on first surveillance computed tomography angiography. One patient was lost to follow-up. Embolization of the endoleak in another patient was successful using Onyx (Micro Therapeutics, Inc, Irvine, Calif) 8 days after the initial procedure. No type Ia endoleak was identified after this on any surveillance imaging, and the patient was alive 28 months later with a stable aneurysm size. In the rest of the patients, no recurrence of the endoleak in any subsequent imaging was noticed, and no secondary intervention was required during follow-up. No aneurysm-related deaths occurred, and 91% of the patients had a stable or shrinking aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: Despite adjunctive intraoperative maneuvers, persistent type Ia endoleaks can be relatively common. Our study indicates that they may be observed in selected patients. Further research is required to investigate the natural course and management of type Ia endoleaks identified intraoperatively.

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis: one year's experience at a UK hand unit and a review of the current literature.

We report outcomes and learning points from flexor sheath infection (FSI) cases presenting over one year to a United Kingdom (UK) hand unit. Between August 2009 and August 2010, 16 FSIs were confirmed from operation note findings. Patient age ranged from 12 to 82 years. All patients were posted a quickDASH questionnaire. In all cases, surgery was performed within 24 hours, via distal and palmar incisions, with 0.9% saline irrigation. Seven patients (44%) responded to questionnaires. Of these, most achieved a good functional outcome, with a mean quickDASH of 7.14. Four cases (25%) had no triggering event. Beta-haemolytic streptococcus was cultured in three cases (18%). Its presence was significantly associated with a requirement for multiple operations (p < 0.032), and with prolonged admission of up to nine days (p < 0.009). We suggest that close liaison with microbiology services and early identification of beta-haemolytic streptococcus may predict the need for multiple washouts in FSI.