Sick leave and return to work after surgery for type II SLAP lesions of the shoulder: a secondary analysis of a randomised sham-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare days on sick leave and assess predictors of return to work following shoulder surgery. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Orthopaedic department. PARTICIPANTS: 114 patients with type II superior labral tear from anterior to posterior of the shoulder. INTERVENTIONS: Labral repair, biceps tenodesis or sham surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sick leave was obtained from national registers for the last year before and 2 years following surgery. Total and shoulder related number of days on sick leave were obtained, using international diagnostic codes. We applied the difference-in-difference approach to compare the differences in the change in mean work days on sick leave between groups over time, backwards logistic regression and lasso regression to evaluate predictors. RESULTS: Mean total number of work days on sick leave during the 2 years after surgery was 148 (range 0-460) days. More than 80% of the sick leave days were taken by 22% of the patients. Days on sick leave classified as shoulder-related constituted 80% of the total. In all three treatment groups, the mean total number of days on sick leave doubled the year after surgery. Sham surgery and labral repair had fewer postoperative sickness absence days compared with biceps tenodesis but differences were not significant when adjusted for days of sick leave the year before surgery. Predictors of return to work at 2 years analysed by logistic regression were no sick leave (OR 8.0, 95% CI 2.4 to 26.0) and moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.5) at inclusion. Similar results were obtained by lasso regression but manual work was an additional predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Change in mean work days on sick leave comparing sham surgery, labral repair and biceps tenodesis, was not significantly different. Sick leave, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and manual work at inclusion predicted work status 2 years after surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00586742.

Subtrochanteric shortening and uncemented arthroplasty in hips with high dislocation - a cohort study with 13-30 years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes in patients with high hip dislocation operated with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and uncemented total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Sixty-five hips operated in 1986-2001, at mean age 48 years (15-79), were followed for mean 19 years (13-30). RESULTS: At last follow up, there were two femoral and 35 acetabular revisions. Harris hip score was mean 86 (81-90) in unrevised, and 87 (82-90) in revised hips. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows favorable long-term results for a fully hydroxyapatite (HA) coated stem. Aseptic cup-loosening may be reduced by using better implants.

Painless period after Spitzy shelf operation for residual hip dysplasia-A long-term study of 47 children and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of the Spitzy shelf operation on hip pain. METHOD: A modified Spitzy shelf procedure was performed in 60 hips with residual hip dysplasia. The mean age at surgery was 11.7 years (range 5.5-22.4 years). RESULTS: Twenty-one hips had pain preoperatively. One year postoperatively 57 hips (95%) were painless. The mean postoperative painless period in patients with >10 years follow-up was 24.1 years (range 5.0-51.5 years). The only independent predictor of long duration of painlessness was preoperative CE angle ≥10°. CONCLUSION: The Spitzy procedure had favorable short- and long-term effects on hip pain.

Templating in uncemented THA. On accuracy and postoperative leg length discrepancy.

PURPOSE: This study examines the accuracy of digital templating in uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA), i.e., whether the templated components where actually inserted during surgery. The surgical outcome was evaluated on the basis of limb length equality. METHODS: We retrospectively examined digital x-rays of 41 patients scheduled for uncemented THA. These were templated using templating software. The template was compared to the surgical choice of implant registered in the patients' journal. Postoperative x-rays were evaluated for limb length equality. The data underwent statistical analysis to assess accuracy. RESULTS: The acetabular component was templated accurately in 7.3%, while 41% was within +/- 1 component size difference, and 73% was within +/-2 size differences. The femoral stem was templated accurately in 34%, while 76% was within +/- 1 component size difference, and 90% was within +/-2 size differences. The neck length was templated accurately in 29%, while 88% was within +/-1 component size difference, and 100% was within +/-2 size differences.Fifty four percent of patients experienced radiologic equalization within +/- 5 mm, and 85% within 10 mm. Fifteen percent had leg length discrepancy of more than 10 mm postoperatively. There was no systematic tendency to overestimate or underestimate leg length peroperatively. CONCLUSIONS: We find that the accuracy of digital templating in uncemented THA is acceptable for the femoral stem, but somewhat inferior for the acetabular shell and poor for neck length. Templating is a useful tool in preoperative planning, but cannot be regarded as a blueprint for the operative choice.

Prothrombin fragment F1+2 in plasma and urine during total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To study the time course and correlation of prothrombin fragment (F1 + 2) in plasma and urine during THA. METHOD: F1 + 2 concentrations were recorded at four time-points during THA. RESULTS: F1 + 2 increased during surgery. In contrast to urine, plasma F1 + 2 was temporarily reduced the first postoperative day. At day six, plasma F1 + 2 was significantly elevated indicating on-going thrombin activation, while urine F1 + 2 was normalized. CONCLUSION: The response in coagulation to operative trauma can be recorded with F1 + 2 both in plasma and urine. We were not able to demonstrate any correlation of F1 + 2 in plasma and urine later in the postoperative period.

Similar Clinical Outcomes with Preoperative and Postoperative Start of Thromboprophylaxis in THA: A Register-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Elective THA is associated with a high risk of thromboembolic events. Although these events may be less common now than they were in the past, they can be serious, and most patients undergoing the procedure therefore still receive thromboprophylaxis. However, controversy remains regarding whether to begin thromboprophylaxis before THA or after to best balance the risks of clotting and bleeding. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked the following questions: (1) Is there a difference in bleeding events with pre- versus postoperative thromboprophylaxis? (2) Is there a difference in thromboembolic episodes after THA between the two regimens? (3) How do the two approaches of thromboprophylaxis influence mortality, readmissions, and other complications? METHODS: We used a population-based followup design with predefined data based on international health codification to assess clinical effects of LMWH prophylaxis initiated before or after THA. We took data limited to primary THAs done in Norway between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register and the National Patient Register to have necessary data elements to complete the study. The two registers were merged after identifying patients with their 11-digit personal identification number (Social Security number). We obtained data regarding demographics, administrative and surgical details, and episode histories for prophylaxis-related events within 180 days of surgery. A total of 25,163 patients undergoing THA were included for analysis, and 9977(40%) versus 15,186 (60%) patients received pre- and postoperative LMWH, respectively. We performed statistical adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex, operation time, year of surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class, we could not show major differences in bleeding events; (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.88-1.22; p = 0.660), thromboembolic episodes; (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.84-1.27; p = 0.786), or other postoperative clinical complications; (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.99; p = 0.034), with the two regimens. Six-month mortality was similar, (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.56-1.05; p = 0.093), and the readmission rate was higher in the preoperative group; (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The risk for postoperative complications seems to be comparable whether LMWH prophylaxis is initiated before or after THA. The postoperative approach reduces costs, decreases risks related to neuraxial anesthesia, and facilitates same-day admissions. Methods for individual risk assessment including laboratory tests would be feasible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Sham surgery versus labral repair or biceps tenodesis for type II SLAP lesions of the shoulder: a three-armed randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Labral repair and biceps tenodesis are routine operations for superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion of the shoulder, but evidence of their efficacy is lacking. We evaluated the effect of labral repair, biceps tenodesis and sham surgery on SLAP lesions. METHODS: A double-blind, sham-controlled trial was conducted with 118 surgical candidates (mean age 40 years), with patient history, clinical symptoms and MRI arthrography indicating an isolated type II SLAP lesion. Patients were randomly assigned to either labral repair (n=40), biceps tenodesis (n=39) or sham surgery (n=39) if arthroscopy revealed an isolated SLAP II lesion. Primary outcomes at 6 and 24 months were clinical Rowe score ranging from 0 to 100 (best possible) and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) ranging from 0 (best possible) to 2100. Secondary outcomes were Oxford Instability Shoulder Score, change in main symptoms, EuroQol (EQ-5D and EQ-VAS), patient satisfaction and complications. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences at any follow-up in any outcome. Between-group differences in Rowe scores at 2 years were: biceps tenodesis versus labral repair: 1.0 (95% CI -5.4 to 7.4), p=0.76; biceps tenodesis versus sham surgery: 1.6 (95% CI -5.0 to 8.1), p=0.64; and labral repair versus sham surgery: 0.6 (95% CI -5.9 to 7.0), p=0.86. Similar results-no differences between groups-were found for WOSI scores. Postoperative stiffness occurred in five patients after labral repair and in four patients after tenodesis. CONCLUSION: Neither labral repair nor biceps tenodesis had any significant clinical benefit over sham surgery for patients with SLAP II lesions in the population studied. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00586742.

Templating in uncemented total hip arthroplasty-on intra- and interobserver reliability and professional experience.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the intra-, and interobserver reliability of digital templating in uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA), and assesses whether these values are dependent on professional experience. METHODS: Three independent observers retrospectively examined digital X-rays of 34 consecutive hips scheduled for uncemented THA. These were templated using templating software. Evaluations were carried out on two occasions at least 6 weeks apart. Findings were compared to each surgeon's own findings, and then to the other surgeons' findings. Data underwent statistical analysis to assess and describe reliability. RESULTS: The intraobserver reliability of the method was found to be good. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for individual surgeons ranged from 0.81 to 0.87 for acetabular components and 0.74 to 0.91 for femoral components. However, it was somewhat lower for neck length with kappa statistics (κ) from 0.41 to 0.51 with agreement in about 70% of the cases. Interobserver reliability was similar, with an ICC of 0.87 for the acetabular component and 0.79 for the femoral component, but somewhat lower for neck length with κ of 0.27 and agreement in 41% of the cases. We found no association between increasing experience and increasing precision, as the least experienced observer showed the highest intraobserver reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of digital templating of uncemented THA is good for acetabular and femoral components, but inferior for neck length. Precision does not rely on professional experience. Digital templating provides surgeons with a valuable tool for preoperative planning, but cannot supersede the intraoperative assessment and final decision.

Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Fully Hydroxyapatite-Coated Stem: A Cohort Study During 23-28 Years.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results of a hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stem are sparse. We have followed a cohort of patients operated with a grit-blasted titanium stem designed for press-fit insertion and entirely plasma-sprayed with HA up to 28 years. METHODS: In the years 1988-1993, we performed 323 primary total hip arthroplasties in 276 patients (189 women). Their mean age was 48 (15-79) years. During the following years, 83 patients with 88 hips have died, and 18 patients did not attend the follow-up examination, but had no major symptoms according to telephone interviews and control examination. Thus, 212 patients (255 hips) were followed up for more than 20 years. RESULTS: Three patients were revised because of late periprosthetic infection, 1 because of a fall with periprosthetic fracture, and 2 stems were revised due to mechanical failure. Osteolysis was significantly associated with wear, and wear was significantly associated with the size of the femoral head. We found a small amount of proximal bone loss and a low incidence of distal hypertrophy of the bone. The bone changes confirmed a well-fixed femoral component in asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate an essentially physiological weight distribution from the stem to the femoral bone with no significant thigh pain. The changes in the bone confirmed that the femoral component was well-fixed, and we conclude that a fully HA-coated titanium stem designed for press-fit insertion lasts for 23-28 years.

Femoral revision surgery using a fully hydroxyapatite-coated stem: a cohort study of twenty two to twenty seven years.

PURPOSE: Femoral component revision with either cemented or proximally coated stems has been disappointing, but revision with extensively coated stems has been promising. Our purpose was to evaluate the long-term outcome using an extensively hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stem in femoral revisions surgery. METHODS: During 1988-1993 we performed 66 femoral revisions in 65 patients (49 women), mean age 58 (range, 28-86) years. We used a grit-blasted straight stem made of TiAl6V4 designed for press-fit insertion (Landos Corail; Landanger, Chaumont, France). In 48 hips we used primary stems of size 10 in two cases, size 11 in two, size 12 in seven, size 13 in four, size 14 in 12, size 15 in eight, size 16 in 12 and size 18 in one. In 18 cases, we used revision stems of size 12 in four cases, size 14 in seven, size 16 in five and size 18 in two. RESULTS: During follow-up, 21 patients have died. One patient had a traumatic fracture around the stem after six years, and another patient with osteoporosis developed fatigue fracture of the femoral bone after 22 years. In one patient the cup loosened after 23 years. The cup was revised, but deep infection occurred, and the patient underwent a two-stage revision of both components. Then, 12 of the revised stems were followed for more than ten years and 24 for more than 20 years. During this time only one stem was revised due to mechanical failure. This patient had a femoral defect classified to Type IV, and a proximal fracture occurred when the prosthesis was inserted. The fracture was stabilised by wires, but primary stability of the stem could not be obtained. At control examinations no patients suffered from significant thigh pain, and we noticed a low degree of proximal bone loss and a low incidence of distal bone hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that a fully HA-coated stem in femoral revision surgery can provide reliable results for up to 27 years. The bone changes confirmed a well-fixed femoral component with a rather physiological transfer of stress from proximal to distal regions with no significant thigh pain.

Long-term results of a modified Spitzy shelf operation for residual hip dysplasia and subluxation. A fifty year follow-up study of fifty six children and young adults.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to establish long-term outcome of the Spitzy shelf-operation and evaluate whether the procedure would delay osteoarthritis. METHODS: During 1954-1976, 56 patients (70 hips) underwent Spitzy shelf operation at a mean age of 11.9 years (5 to 22). Indications included residual hip dysplasia or subluxation with Centre-Edge angle < 20°. We used survival analysis with conversion to total hip replacements as end-point. For patients without total hip replacement, information was provided from case records and radiographs. Avascular necrosis was assessed in pre-Spitzy radiographs, when available. Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to estimate survival function of the Spitzy shelf operation. Survival was assessed by Cox regression. Univariable Cox regression was performed separately for each variable. Potential predictors (p-value < 0.10) were entered into a multivariable regression model; p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean survival of the shelf procedure was 39.9 years (21 to 53). Survival fell from 83 % 30 years post-operatively, to 22 % at 50 years. Fifty-three hips (76 %) had undergone total hip replacement at mean age of 49.4 years (33 to 64). Seventeen hips had not received total hip replacement, mean survival 47.9 years (39 to 53). CONCLUSION: The study showed that Spitzy shelf-operation had satisfactory long-term outcome with hip-survival in almost 90 % at patient age 40 years. The results indicate that Spitzy shelf-operation postpone total hip replacement. We consider Spitzy shelf-operation a good alternative in patients above 8 years. In younger children the procedure is not recommended due to increased frequency of graft resorption.

Cross table lateral radiography for measurement of acetabular cup version.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate orientation of the acetabular cup is an important factor for long-term results of total hip arthroplasty. For measurement of cup version cross-table lateral radiography is frequently used, but the reliability has been questioned. We compared cross table lateral radiography with computed tomography in patients that had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The study was prospectively done in 117 patients (117 hips). At 3 months after total hip replacement the acetabular version was measured by cross table lateral radiography and compared to measurements by computed tomography. RESULTS: By cross table lateral radiography acetabular anteversion was on mean 13.9° with a standard deviation of 10.1° as compared to 17.8°±12.6° by computed tomography. Mean difference was -3.8 with a distribution of measurements of ±13 degrees for 95% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that cross table radiography provides acceptable information for clinical use, but has limited use for precise analysis of acetabular cup version.

Effect of soft-tissue attachment on tibial fracture healing in rats.

PURPOSE: To compare tibial fracture healing in rats with or without soft-tissue attachment. METHODS: The left tibias of 30 Wistar rats were osteotomised and equally randomised into 3 groups. In the avascular segmental fracture group, an 8-mm bone segment were first removed and then immediately put back. In the vascular segmental fracture group, the 8-mm bone segment was not displaced, with periosteal and muscular attachments. In the simple fracture group, a simple fracture in the middle tibia was made. All tibias were then stabilised with an intramedullary nail through the patellar tendon, and the wound was closed with sutures. After 8 weeks, all left tibias and 9 of the intact right tibias were harvested. Bone mineral content and density of the calluses were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning. The maximum torsional strength, rigidity, and energy to failure of the tibias were measured. RESULTS: All tibias healed (callus formation), without mal-union or pin migration. The 3 groups did not differ significantly in terms of torsional strength, rigidity, energy to failure, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density. The mean torsional strength of the 9 intact tibias was significantly higher than the healed tibias (14.9 vs. 10.6 Nmm, p=0.021). CONCLUSION: Soft-tissue detachment from bone segments did not impair bone healing in rats.

Changes of center of rotation and femoral offset in total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: It is a challenge to reconstruct the center of rotation (COR) and femoroacetabular offset anatomically in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We addressed the controversy how we manage to preserve the COR and femoroacetabular offset with an uncemented total hip prosthesis implanted with free hand technique. METHODS: We analyzed a prospective series of 73 patients who underwent primary THA. The series was composed of 40 females and 33 males, mean age 64 years (range, 35-90 years). The reasons for THA were primary osteoarthritis (n=63) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (n=10). Pre- and postoperative X-rays were done in a standardized format for anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs of the pelvis, and digitalized measurements were done using SectraTM. We compared preoperative measurements with the final outcome to determine changes in COR and femoral offset. RESULTS: We found that 40 patients had their COR and 34 patients had their femoral offset preserved within preoperative 5.0 mm limits. Twenty-three patients had both their values of COR and femoral offset preserved within 5.0 mm limits. While a significant correlation was found between changes of femoral and global offset (r=0.786, P<0.001), there were no correlation between changes of acetabular and femoral offset (r=-0.027, P=0.822). CONCLUSIONS: Using an uncemented THA and free hand technique, there is a fair reproducibility of anatomy. The variations were mostly minor, but our results indicate a potential for better restoring the location of COR and femoral offset when planning and implanting an uncemented THA.

Activation of markers of inflammation, coagulation and fibrinolysis in musculoskeletal trauma.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injury induces changes in mediators of inflammation and coagulation, but the pivotal roles of inflammation and coagulation has not been precisely clarified. Therefore we have studied markers of inflammation and coagulation after a standardized musculoskeletal trauma like total hip replacement surgery. METHODS: We allocated 21 patients aged 50 to 84 years who underwent total hip replacement surgery. Releases of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 and protrombin fragment F1.2 and plasmin-antiplasmin complex (PAP) were examined during surgery and up 6 days postoperatively, and systemic releases were compared to pre-operative values. Surgery induced significant increments in serum levels of IL-6 at 6 hours and at 1 day after surgery and in levels of IL-8 at 6 hours after surgery. There were no significant changes in serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß or IL-10. There were significant increments in blood levels of F1.2 and PAP up to 6 days postoperatively with highest levels at 6 hours after surgery. There were only week correlations between IL-6 and IL-8 and F1.2 and PAP. CONCLUSION: Major musculoskeletal surgery causes changes of the inflammatory, coagulatory and fibrinolytic cascades in stable patients, but with no correlations between inflammation and coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Changes in serum cytokines in response to musculoskeletal surgical trauma.

BACKGROUND: Trauma induces local and subsequent systemic inflammatory reactions, and when the cytokine production is deregulated, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with a potentially lethal outcome can occur. The understanding of the physiological mechanism of the cytokine network would be useful to better comprehend pathological conditions. METHODS: We analysed a panel of 30 cytokines in the serum of 20 patients operated with total hip replacement. Cytokine release was assessed postoperatively up to 6 days by a multiplex antibody bead kit and compared to pre-operative values. RESULTS: Surgery induced significant increments in serum levels of IL-2R at 6 days after surgery, in levels of IL-6 at 6 hours after surgery and at 1 day after surgery, in levels of IL-8 at 6 hours after surgery, in levels of IL-16 at 6 hours and at 1 day after surgery. Significant decreases in serum levels of IL-1Rα were found at the end of surgery, in levels of IL-12 at the end of surgery and at 6 hours after, and in levels of Eotaxin during all phases of the postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: The major findings were significant increases in systemic levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-16, while IL-12 was significantly decreased. Otherwise there were modest changes in the systemic cytokine kinetics and no significant expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

The proportion of perioperative mortalities attributed to cemented implantation in hip fracture patients treated by hemiarthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Bone cement for fixation of prostheses, comorbidity and age have been previously shown to be associated with increased relative risk of mortality within the first day of surgery. However, the proportion of mortalities associated to each of these exposures is not adequately expressed by relative risk estimates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The attributable fraction (AF), i.e., the fraction of diseased individuals attributed to a given risk factor, was estimated for cemented fixation of hip prostheses in the elderly (>65 years) with a hip fracture. Dementia, symptomatic comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)≥ 3), old age (≥85 years), male gender, and a delay of 24 hours or more from fracture to operation were considered as additional risk factors for a fatal outcome in close proximity to surgery. RESULTS: In the entire study population (n = 11210), the unadjusted and adjusted population AFs of cemented fixation on mortalities within the first day after surgery were 0.58 (95% CI 0.28-0.76) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.29-0.76), respectively. Symptomatic comorbidity and old age as risk factors had population AFs of 0.71 (95% CI 0.51-0.83) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.39-0.67), respectively. Male gender, dementia and time from fracture to operation all had considerably lower population AFs. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated AFs on perioperative mortality in hip fracture patients treated by hemiarthroplasty showed that about half of the mortalities within the first day of surgery could be associated with the use of bone cement.