Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe Types 3 and 4 Hips.

Background: Crowe types 3 and 4 dysplastic hips usually need total hip arthroplasty (THA) with femoral shortening osteotomy (FSO) to facilitate reduction, equalize limb length, and decrease the traction stress in nerves. The frequency of peripheral nerve palsy after primary THA has been reported to range from 0.08% to 3.7%. Apart from direct trauma to the nerve, the excessive extension of the extremity is also reported as a common cause of nerve damage. The current study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in THA for Crowe types 3 and 4 hips. Methods: The data of patients who underwent primary THA with IONM were retrospectively reviewed using our medical records. Patients with Crowe types 3 and 4 dysplastic hips were included in the study. Motor-evoked potentials and somatosensory-evoked potentials were assessed intraoperatively. Preoperative dislocation height and postoperative trochanter minor differences were measured using preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Results: Twenty-three hips of 19 patients (4 bilateral THAs) with a mean age of 45 years participated in the study. Ten hips (43%) were classified as Crowe type 4, whereas 13 hips (57%) were Crowe type 3. The mean preoperative dislocation height was 41.6 mm (range, 15-100 mm). Postoperatively, only 6 patients had a difference between trochanter minor levels with a mean of 8.5 mm (range, 3-17 mm). Three patients underwent a subtrochanteric FSO to achieve reduction. Postoperatively, no patient had any motor and sensory nerve dysfunction. Conclusions: According to the results acquired from this study, no nerve palsy was observed after THA for Crowe types 3 and 4 hips, and subtrochanteric FSO was not performed in all Crowe type 3 hips and 70% of Crowe type 4 hips with the aid of IONM.

Is the Acetabular Cup Orientation Different in Robot-Assisted and Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty With Right-Handed Surgeons Using an Anterolateral Approach?

Introduction Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures. Survival rates from 90% at 10 years to 93% at 20 years have been reported in different studies. Differences in implant and patient characteristics can undoubtedly explain some of this variability observed in prosthesis durability, but the effect of surgical technique and implant orientation cannot be ignored. Therefore, many intraoperative methods (anatomic landmarks, intraoperative x-ray, fluoroscopy, navigation, and robotic surgery) have been attempted to avoid acetabular component malpositioning. Although postoperative computed tomography (CT) is accepted as the gold standard for the measurement of acetabular anteversion, it remains controversial in respect of costs and radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to examine how acetabular component orientation was affected in robotic and conventional THA operations performed by two surgeons with right-hand dominance. Material and methods The study included 113 primary THA operations performed on 113 patients between 2017 and 2022 in two groups: (i) robotic THA (Mako, Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States) (55 patients) and (ii) conventional THA (58 patients). The patients comprised 51 males and 62 females. THA was performed on 54 right-side hips and 59 left-side hips. The operations were performed by two orthopaedic surgeons, each with 20 years of arthroplasty experience, on all the patients in the lateral decubitus position with an anterolateral approach. In all the cases, the orientation of the acetabular component was 40° inclination and 20° anteversion.  Difficult THA procedures (patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a history of hip surgery, revision THA, defect or deformity of the acetabulum, a history of scoliosis or lumbar posterior surgery, or those requiring proximal femoral osteotomy) were excluded from the study. Using the Liaw and Lewinnek methods, the acetabular component anteversion was measured on the radiographs taken in the optimal position postoperatively and the acetabular cup inclination angles were measured on the pelvis radiographs. The groups were compared using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests. The limits were accepted as 40±5° for inclination and 20±5° for anteversion. Results No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of age, gender, or operated side. No statistically significant difference was determined between the optimal acetabular cup inclination angles of the robotic and conventional THA groups (p = 0.79). No statistically significant difference was determined between the optimal acetabular cup anteversion angles of the left and right conventional THA groups. Statistically significantly better results were determined in the robotic group in respect of acetabular cup anteversion (p<0,001).  Conclusion The optimal orientation of the acetabular component is a key factor for successful THA. Otherwise, revision surgery is inevitable for reasons such as instability, impingement, or increased wear. The results of this study demonstrated that robotic surgery was superior to the conventional method in the placement of the acetabular component in the desired orientation.

A comparison of robotic-assisted and manual techniques in restricted kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty: coronal alignment improvement with no significant clinical differences.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic and clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted and conventional manual techniques in restricted kinematically aligned TKA. METHODS: Patients who underwent either manual or robotic-assisted restricted kinematically aligned TKA between 2019 and 2020 were included in this retrospective comparative study. Radiographic outcomes comprised coronal plane measurements performed through standing full-length anteroposterior radiographs. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Oxford score, Visual Analog Scale pain and satisfaction score, and Forgotten Joint Score were used to determine the clinical outcome. The continuous data were compared by Student's t test according to the Kolmogorov‒Smirnov normality test. RESULTS: The manual group consisted of 46 patients (38 females, eight males) with a mean age of 68.1 years, and the robotic group consisted of 70 patients (58 females, 12 males) with a mean age of 65.7 years (n.s.). Preoperatively, no significant difference was observed between groups concerning demographic characteristics, radiographic measurements, and clinical scores except for the symptom and pain domains of the KOOS score, which was significantly worse in the manual group (p = 0.011 and 0.035, respectively). At the postoperative 2-year follow-up, we observed significant differences between groups with respect to the mean HKA angle, mMPTA, and mLDFA (p = 0.034, 0.041, and 0.005, respectively). A comparison of clinical scores at the postoperative 2-year follow-up demonstrated no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that using robotic-assisted technique for restricted kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) resulted in significantly better outcomes compared to the conventional manual technique in achieving normal ranges of lower extremity coronal alignment measurements. While the robotic-assisted group demonstrated better clinical scores, there was no statistically significant difference in clinical outcomes between the robotic-assisted group and the control group at the two-year follow-up. Concerning clinical relevance, the restoration of original anatomy and coronal alignment, a crucial concern in restricted kinematically aligned TKA, may be better achieved by the robotic-assisted technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (Retrospective cohort study).

Volumetric Analysis of Subacromial Space After Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

Purpose: Subacromial volume measurement on magnetic resonance images is relatively new. It has been shown that decreased subacromial volume increases after surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. There is no study examining subacromial volume changes after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). The purpose of this study was to compare subacromial volume changes on magnetic resonance images (MRI) after superior capsular reconstruction performed for primary irreparable rotator cuff tears. Methods: Patients who underwent an SCR procedure between 2017 and 2019 with a minimum 2-year postoperative follow-up were included in this retrospective study. Subacromial volume was measured on MRI using software. The preoperative and postoperative acromiohumeral distance, Constant Scores, graft thickness, and Hamada grades of the patients were evaluated. Results: A total of 18 patients with a mean age of 59.7 years (range: 49-74 years) underwent an SCR for massive irreparable cuff tear. The mean preoperative subacromial volume was 3.54 ± 0.39 cm3 (range 2.88-4.36 cm3), which increased to 4.46 ± 0.39 cm3 (range 3.75-5.32 cm3) postoperatively (p = < 0.001). The increase in subacromial volume and acromiohumeral distance did not correlate with Constant scores and graft thickness. We observed a significantly higher subacromial volume increase among Hamada grade 1 patients, compared to those with Hamada grade 2 (p = 0.011). Conclusions: We observed that subacromial volume significantly increased after superior capsular reconstruction. However, the increase in subacromial volume did not correlate with clinical scores, acromiohumeral distance changes, or graft thickness.Level of evidence: Level III - Retrospective Cohort Study.

Comparison of postoperative pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in robotic-assisted and manual total knee replacement surgery.

This study aimed to comparatively evaluate postoperative pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients after robotic-assisted and manual total knee replacement surgery. Patients who underwent either robotic or manual total knee replacement (TKR) surgery were analyzed in this cross-sectional observational study. Volunteers who were conscious, mentally healthy, without primary sleep disorders, without chronic uncontrolled diseases, 18 years of age or older, able to understand verbal warnings, and who agreed to participate in the study after being informed about the purpose of the study were included in the study. A total of 80 patients who underwent robotic-assisted TKR and 87 patients who underwent manual TKR were participated in the study. Data were collected using the "Patient Description Form" Visual Analog Scale, Richards-Campbell Sleep Scale, and State Anxiety Scale. All patients were operated on by the same physicians and received standard perioperative care. In the study, a statistically significant difference was found between the education level of the patients and the type of surgery (p = 0.007). According to the average scores, it was observed that the patients in the robotic group had higher pain levels, better sleep quality, and higher anxiety levels compared to the manual group. There was a significant correlation between the level of pain felt on the 1st and 2nd day (p = < 0.001) and state anxiety levels with gender (p = 0.010) in the robotic group. For the robotic group, pain on day 2 was mostly affected by pain on day 1 and state anxiety. For the manual group, pain on day 2 was mostly affected by pain on day 1. According to our results, patients who underwent robotic-assisted TKR had higher pain levels, better sleep quality, and higher anxiety levels than patients who underwent manual TKR.

Acute bilateral extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture following bilateral displaced distal radius fracture: A case report.

Extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures are rarely reported after traumatic events, especially after distal radius fractures. Its classical presentation is a late-onset and unilateral rupture after a non-displaced distal radius fracture. In this case report, we present the treatment of a patient with acute bilateral extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures after bilateral displaced distal radius fractures. The patient was treated with bilateral open reduction and volar plate fixation via a volar Henry approach for distal radius fractures and bilateral extensor indicis proprius tendon transfer for extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures. We achieved satisfactory results, and no complications were reported with these treatment approaches. However, this case report demonstrates that extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture may occur at the time of fracture; thus, clinicians should be aware of this issue.

Preliminary outcomes of kinematically aligned robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty with patient-specific cartilage thickness measurement.

This study aimed to assess the preliminary outcomes of kinematically aligned robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with patient-specific cartilage thickness measurement. Patients who underwent kinematically aligned robot-assisted TKA were included in this study. Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasties were performed by NAVIO Surgical System (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, USA), an image-free handheld robotic system. The kinematic alignment technique was performed according to our intraoperative cartilage thickness measurement technique. Hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), joint-line orientation angle (JLOA), and joint-line convergence angle (JLCA) were measured through standing full-length anteroposterior radiographs. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Oxford score, VAS pain and satisfaction score, and Forgotten Joint Score were used to assess clinical outcomes. A total of 142 knees of 109 patients (92 females and 17 males) were evaluated in this study. There was a significant correction in HKA, JLCA, and mMPTA postoperatively (p ≤0.001, < 0.001, and 0.029, respectively). We observed no significant change in mLDFA and JLOA measurements. All clinical scores significantly increased at the latest follow-up. Our results demonstrated that kinematically aligned robot-assisted TKA with patient-specific cartilage thickness measurement demonstrated no significant change in mLDFA and JLOA, as expected; however, significantly corrected the deformity in HKA, mMPTA, and JLCA measurements.

Cervical and thoracic/lumbar motion and muscle strength in surgically treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

BACKGROUND: To date, only one study assessed the spinal mobility and muscle strength of patients who were treated either with fusion or brace treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the cervical and thoracic/lumbar spine in patients who underwent spinal fusion for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in comparison to healthy individuals. METHODS: Patients (n= 28) who were treated surgically for AIS were included in the study. An age and gender matched control group (n= 22) was included that consisted of healthy individuals. DAVID® Lumbar/Thoracic Extension, Lumbar/Thoracic Rotation, and Cervical Extension/Lateral Flexion devices were used to measure cervical and lumbar/thoracic ROM as well as muscle strength. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between groups in all ROM measurements except thoracic/lumbar sagittal flexion ROM measurement (p= 0.198). There were significant differences between groups in terms of muscle strength, except thoracic lumbar left rotation strength (p= 0.081). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study demonstrated that cervical and thoracic/lumbar range of motion, as well as muscle strength, were significantly decreased in surgically treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients compared to healthy counterparts. However, trunk (thoracic/lumbar) flexion range of motion and trunk left rotation muscle strength were not significantly different.

Does total knee arthroplasty affect overactive bladder symptoms in female patients?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In the current study we hypothesized that total knee arthroplasty might improve the overactive bladder symptoms by providing pain relief and improving physical function. METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty were preoperatively evaluated for overactive bladder and 47 patients that met inclusion criteria were included in this study. All the patients included in the study were assessed both preoperatively and at the 3rd month postoperatively using the Overactive Bladder-Validated 8 (OAB-V8) questionnaire for overactive bladder symptoms, the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) for pain and physical function, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) for physical activity. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 65.4 ± 7 (56-83) years. The OAB-V8, OKS and IPAQ-SF scores significantly improved at the 3rd month postoperatively compared with the initial assessment. All the OAB-V8 domains, namely, frequency, urgency, nocturia, and urgency urinary incontinence, significantly improved following total knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that following total knee arthroplasty, overactive bladder questionnaire scores significantly improved at the 3rd month postoperatively.