ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Intraoperative radiograph of the pelvis is a well-established way to avoid misplacement/undersizing of the components and leg length discrepancy (LLD) in total hip replacement (THR). We describe a method for the obtainment and the evaluation of intraoperative radiographs with a sophisticated wireless radiographic system and a computerized digital tool originally used for preoperative templating. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 60 patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis who underwent THR with intraoperative radiographic check with the conventional method (n = 30, control group) or the new method (AGFA flat panel DR14eG™/Orthosize™, n = 30, case group) were evaluated and compared for operation time, intraoperative changes in size/placement of the components and final radiological outcome (LLD, acetabular inclination and femoral offset) based on postoperative radiographs of the pelvis. RESULTS: Mean operation time was lower in case group (85.3 min vs. 103.3 min, p value < 0.005), as well as mean absolute LLD (1.93 mm vs. 2.94 mm, p value = 0.242). There was a higher percentage of intraoperative changes in the offset of the prostheses' head (70% vs. 40%, p value = 0.018) and a significantly lower percentage of patients with LLD > 5 mm in the case group (0% vs. 27%, p value = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This new method for the obtainment and assessment of intraoperative radiographs proved to be fast and assuring for keeping LLD below 5 mm in all patients.
Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip , Intraoperative Care/methods , Leg Length Inequality , Osteoarthritis, Hip/surgery , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Acetabulum/diagnostic imaging , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods , Case-Control Studies , Female , Hip Joint/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Leg Length Inequality/etiology , Leg Length Inequality/prevention & control , Male , Middle Aged , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hypersensitivity to implants is a rare complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Metal and, less frequently, bone cement can produce allergic symptomatology that if unresponsive to conservative treatment could lead to revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the case of a patient with generalized pruritus and metal taste starting during the first postoperative month after TKA. Dermal allergy exams revealed that the patient had hypersensitivity to nickel sulphate and cobalt chloride and bone cement. Conservative treatment with antihistamine medication and corticosteroids failed to control the symptoms. The patient underwent revision TKA with a hypoallergic prosthesis 8 months after the primary procedure. RESULTS: Full disappearance of the symptoms occurred 3 months after revision. The latest follow-up evaluation (3 years post-revision) was unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, an exhaustive medical history should be obtained from every candidate for total joint replacement and in cases of prior severe allergic reactions to metals, plastics or glues, patch testing of the components of the future prosthesis should be done. When an already implanted prosthesis causes symptoms like pain, edema, pruritus, erythema, limited range of motion and increase in joint's temperature, the possibility of allergy to metals and/or bone cement (in case of cemented prosthesis) should be checked after the exclusion of other reasons like infection. If symptoms cannot be controlled by conservative measures, revision should be decided and carried out with hypoallergic prosthesis.
