A systematic review comparing the cost-effectiveness of the direct anterior, posterior, and straight lateral approach in total hip arthroplasty.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty is a reliable option to treat osteoarthritis. It reduces pain, increases quality of life, and restores function. The direct anterior approach (DAA), posterior approach (PA), and straight lateral approach (SLA) are mostly used. This systematic review evaluates current literature about costs and cost-effectiveness of DAA, PA, and SLA. Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic search, registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42021237427), was conducted of databases PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, Clinical Trials, Current Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, NHS Centre for Review and Dissemination, Econlit, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or comparative cohort studies reporting or comparing costs or cost-effectiveness of either approach as the primary outcome. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed. For comparison, all costs were converted to American Dollars (reference year 2016). Results: Six systematic review studies were included. RoB ranged from low to high, the level of evidence ranged from 2 to 4, and methodological quality was moderate. Costs ranged from $5313.85 to $15 859.00 (direct) and $1921.00 to $6364.30 (indirect) in DAA. From $5158.46 to $12 344.47 (direct) to $2265.70 to $5566.01 (indirect) for PA and from $3265.62 to $8501.81 (direct) and $2280.16 (indirect) for SLA. Due to heterogeneity of included costs, they were not directly comparable. Solid data about cost-effectiveness cannot be presented. Conclusions: Due to limited and heterogenous evidence about costs and cost-effectiveness, the effect of these in surgical approach is unknown. Further well-powered research to make undisputed conclusions is needed.

Survival rates of anatomically shaped and tapered slip cemented femoral implants: an analysis of 76,281 femoral implants of the Dutch arthroplasty register (LROI).

INTRODUCTION: In cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) various shapes and geometries of femoral implants are in use. Collarless, polished, and tapered (CPT) implants, and anatomically shaped (AS) implants are most commonly used. Due to their different design features, this might lead to different survival outcomes. In this register-based study, overall implant survival and short-term complications of CPT and AS cemented implants were evaluated. METHODS: Data of the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) were used. Cemented femoral implants, which could be classified as CPT or AS were included in this study. Implants were excluded when no classification could be made or if implanted <100 times. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard analysis. RESULTS: 76,281 cemented THAs were included. At a mean of 5.1 years follow-up (SD 3.1, range 0-12 years), the overall survival of the AS implants was higher compared with the CPT implants, with a survival, of 99.2% and 99.0% respectively (log-rank; p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed a higher rate for revision because of loosening of the AS implants (HR 2; CI, 1.4-3.1). AS implants had a lower rate for periprosthetic fractures compared with the CPT implants (HR 0.13; CI, 0.07-0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Both designs show excellent overall survival rates at short-term follow-up. There is a higher overall survival of AS implants when compared with CPT implants. Revision for implant loosening, however, was statistically significantly higher in AS implants when compared with the CPT implants.

Orthopaedic surgeons' perspective on the implementation of outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty - Results of a nationwide survey.

Background: Outpatient joint arthroplasty (OJA) for the hip and knee is gaining popularity among orthopaedic surgeons worldwide. The purposes of this study were to (1) assess the proportion of Dutch orthopaedic surgeons who perform OJA; (2) identify surgeons' willingness to implement OJA in the future; (3) identify reasons and barriers to implement OJA; and (4) gather surgeon's perspective on the implementation of OJA. Methods: A 20-item survey was developed and administered by email to orthopaedic surgeons who are a member of the Dutch Hip Society and Dutch Knee Society. Survey response rate was 40% (N = 123). Results: Twenty-two respondents (18%) already implemented OJA, and 46% of respondents (who don't perform OJA) were interested to implement OJA in the future. Reasons to perform OJA included own positive experiences (82%), available evidence (77%) and patients' request (77%). Proponents' and opponents' view on safety and added value conflicted with each other. Other barriers included patient selection and organizational related (e.g., multidisciplinary support). Surgeons' view on evolution and relevance of OJA significantly differed by respondents who perform OJA versus respondents who don't perform OJA. Most respondents agreed with one another that the healthcare institution benefits most from OJA, and that optimization of the arthroplasty pathway could be reached through better patient education and -participation (e.g., eHealth, wearables). Conclusion: One in five respondents currently implement OJA pathways, and about half of the remaining respondents are interested to implement OJA in the future. OJA-opponents aren't convinced of the value and safety of OJA, despite accumulating evidence supporting OJA. Future research should inform patient-selection and -acceptance and organizational implementation.

Patients' experiences of an information brochure for knee arthroplasty. A brief qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Patient information holds an important role in knee arthroplasty surgery regarding patients' expectations and outcomes after surgery. The purpose of the present study was to explore the experiences and opinions of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty (KA) surgery on an information brochure provided preoperatively. METHODS: A qualitative case study of 8 patients using individual semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore patients' opinions on an information brochure in KA surgery. RESULTS: Patients rated the brochure as good and recommended its use. Unsatisfactory information regarding wound healing, pain expectations, postoperative exercises and use of walking aids was reported. Patients stated that the table of contents was insufficient and the size of the brochure (A4-format) too large. Patients reported to have no need for additional digital sources (e.g. applications, websites). CONCLUSION: These opinions support the use of an information brochure. The reported opinions were used to improve the brochure. Future research should focus on the improvement of information sources by involving patients (and other users) in the development process in which the information is tailored towards patient needs.

Disappointing long-term outcome of THA with carbon-fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) as acetabular insert liner: a prospective study with a mean follow-up of 14.3 years.

INTRODUCTION: Insert liner wear of the acetabular component is one of the predictive values for survival of total hip arthroplasties (THAs). This prospective single-centre study was designed to evaluate the follow-up of carbon-fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) insert liner used as bearing in cementless THAs. METHODS: 29 healthy patients with an indication for cementless THA were selected for a CFR-PEEK insert liner and followed over time. All patients received a cementless THA with a CFR-PEEK insert liner used as bearing. At different follow-up moments patients were routinely examined and were analysed using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), the modified Merle d'Aubigne-Postel (MAP) score, and radiologically. At the follow up moments the plain radiographics where assessed for loosening, cyst formations and wear of the CFR-PEEK liners. RESULTS: At a mean of 14.3 years follow-up 4 revisions of the acetabular component were performed, resulting in a survival rate of 86.5% (CI 95%, 72.4-96.6). A statistically significant difference in OHS and MAP scores between pre- and postoperative follow-up moments was observed. The acetabular components of the remaining patients showed no radiological abnormalities at 14.3 years follow-up. The overall CFR-PEEK wear was low, with a mean of 0.81 (0.2-1.4) mm wear at 14.3 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this series we found an aseptic loosening with unclear reasons in 4 well-positioned acetabular components, hence we do not recommend routine use of CFR-PEEK insert liners as bearing in cementless THAs. All the remaining THAs and acetabular components were in situ without abnormalities at 14.3 years follow-up.

High intra- and inter-observer reliability of planning implant size in MRI-based patient-specific instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) uses individually designed disposable guides to determine intraoperative bone cuts. The manufacturer provides the surgeon with proposed planning which can be modified and should be approved by the surgeon before the guides are produced. This study aims to assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability among preoperative planning by orthopaedic surgeons using PSI. The authors hypothesize a high intra- and inter-observer reliability in planning TKA using PSI. METHODS: Four orthopaedic surgeons modified and approved 40 preoperative MRI-based PSI plannings three times. The surgeons were blinded to their own and each other's results. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was obtained for planned implant size, resection, and position of the implant. RESULTS: Intra-observer reliability Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were excellent for femoral and tibial implant size with a range of 0.948-0.995 and 0.919-0.988, respectively. Inter-observer reliability for femoral and tibial implant size showed an ICC range of 0.953-0.982 and 0.839-0.951, respectively. Next to implant size, intra- and inter-observer reliability demonstrated good to an excellent agreement (ICC > 0.75) for 7 out of 12 remaining parameters and 6 out of 12 remaining parameters, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative planning of TKA implant size using MRI-based PSI showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability. Further research on the comparison of predicted implant size preoperatively to intraoperative results is needed.

Tapered, fluted, modular, titanium stems in Vancouver B periprosthetic femoral fractures: an analysis of 87 consecutive revisions.

AIMS: One of the instruments in the orthopaedic surgeon's armamentarium to face the challenges associated with periprosthetic fracture around the stem of a hip replacement is the tapered, fluted, modular, titanium (TFMT) stem. Our aim was to study its clinical and radiological outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period 2010-2016 86 patients (55 females; median age 78.2 years; mean BMI 26.3 kg/m2; median ASA classification 2) underwent 87 revisions for a Vancouver B periprosthetic fracture using a Stryker Restoration Cone-Conical stem. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 2.9 years no stem had to be revised and no case of stem fracture was found. Dislocation was the most common complication and occurred in 18% of patients. Other major complications were deep infection (n = 4), subsidence >5 mm (n = 7), and nonunion (n = 5). 3-month and 1-year mortality was 10% and 15% respectively and was strongly correlated with age, deep infection, and ASA classification. The median EQ-5D health state index at final follow-up was 0.78 and all patients were ambulatory. CONCLUSIONS: The complication most commonly encountered was dislocation and can likely be prevented by the use of large heads, adequate reduction and fixation of the trochanteric area and restoration of the native anatomy. Contrary to previous concerns, fracture and subsidence of these modular stems do not appear to be a significant problem in this geriatric population.

Rates and Causes of 90-day Complications and Readmissions Following Outpatient Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of 525 Patients in a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient joint arthroplasty (OJA) has gained increasing popularity and success in a well-defined population. Safety concerns, in terms of complications and readmissions, however still exist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 525 patients (90 primary THAs, 277 primary TKAs, and 158 primary UKAs), initially planned for OJA. All complications and readmissions were evaluated for timing and cause (surgical vs medical) within a 90-day followup. Complications and readmissions were compared by the length of stay (LOS): same-day discharge (SDD) vs ≥1 day. Differences were assessed by the log-rank test. Complications and readmission risk were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The complication rate was 9.9% at 30 days and 15% at 90 days. The readmission rate was 2.5% at 30 days and 4.2% at 90 days. The majority of surgical complications and readmissions were the result of wound discharge (43% and 56%, respectively). Overall, we did not observe different rates between SDD and LOS ≥1. Following THA, but not TKA or UKA, the 90-day complication rate was significantly lower in patients that underwent SDD compared with LOS ≥1. The risk of complications was positively associated with TKA (vs THA and UKA), ASA III (vs ASA I), and Charnley C (vs Charnley A). The risk of readmissions was negatively associated with a BMI ranging from 25-29.9 kg/m2 (vs BMI <25 kg/m2). CONCLUSION: SDD following OJA did not result in more complications and hospital readmissions compared to a prolonged hospital stay. The majority of complications and readmissions were due to noninfected wound discharge.

Predictors of (Un)successful Same-Day Discharge in Selected Patients Following Outpatient Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that only selected patients are suitable for outpatient joint arthroplasty (OJA); however, no consensus exists on the optimal selection criteria. We believe patients undergoing OJA should undergo risk stratification and mitigation in an attempt to optimize quality and minimize costs. METHODS: Patient factors of 525 patients who were selected to have primary elective unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (N = 158), total knee arthroplasty (N = 277), or total hip arthroplasty (N = 90) in an outpatient setting were retrospectively reviewed. A complete case multivariable logistic regression analysis of 440 patients was conducted to identify factors that were independently associated with (un)successful same-day discharge (SDD). RESULTS: One hundred ten patients (21%) were not able to be discharged on the day of surgery. Charnley class B2 was associated with a higher chance of successful SDD (odds ratio [OR], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.72), whereas female gender (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.8), total knee arthroplasty (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4), and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical function score (ASA II: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3; ASA III: OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.1-13) were associated with a higher risk of unsuccessful SDD. CONCLUSION: These results in a preselected population suggest the need for further specifying and improving selection criteria for patients undergoing OJA and emphasize the importance of an in-hospital backup plan for patients at risk of unsuccessful SDD. Previous contralateral joint arthroplasty is a protective factor for successful SDD.

Results of Cemented Anatomically Adapted Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Follow-Up Longer Than 10 years.

This retrospective single-center study evaluated the >10-year follow-up (FU) and survival of 2 anatomically adapted cemented total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in a series of 308 patients (323 THAs) with a mean age of 76.2 years at operation. At a mean of 11 years of FU, patient-reported outcome measures, clinical examination, and plain radiography were analyzed. In 6 THAs, the femoral and/or acetabular component was revised. Reasons for revision were aseptic loosening and infection. At >10 years of FU, there was an overall survival for both THAs of 98.1%. Radiographic radiolucent lines were seen in 15 THAs affecting Gruen zone 4 and Delee and Charnley zone II. We conclude that both anatomically adapted cemented THAs have an excellent survival at 11 years of FU.

Stress fracture of the femoral neck in a child: a case report.

A 7-year-old boy developed complaints of pain in the left groin. These complaints started spontaneously. Initial plain radiographs of the pelvis indicated no abnormalities. As the symptoms persisted for 6 weeks, the young patient and his parents visited our institution. Clinical investigation showed a slight extension deficit of the left hip. New radiographs and MRI indicated a fracture line with sclerosis along the inferior border of the left femoral neck. In retrospect, this stress fracture of the femoral neck was also visible on the initial radiographs. Seven months after the onset of complaints in the left groin and prescribed partial weight bearing with crutches, callus formation with consolidation of the femoral neck was observed on radiographs. Eleven months after onset, the patient recovered fully without any residual symptoms. After 21 months, the young patient did not have any complaints or restrictions in physical activity. Because of its highly rare nature, stress fractures of the femoral neck in children are easy to miss initially. This was also applicable in our case. Extensive differential diagnosis of a child with pain in the groin furthermore adds to the difficulty in the diagnosis of a stress fracture of the femoral neck. This case report emphasizes the importance of the evaluation of radiographs and observation in children with hip complaints. Similarly, interdisciplinary consultation and cooperation between the general practitioner, orthopaedic surgeon, radiologist and paediatrician is essential in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of these young patients.

Effect of long-term preservation on the mechanical properties of cortical bone in goats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bones used in mechanical studies are frequently harvested from human cadavers that have been embalmed in a buffered formaldehyde solution. It has been reported that formaldehyde fixation or freezing hardly affects the mechanical properties of bone after a storage period of several weeks. However, human cadaver bones are usually stored for longer periods of time before use. We therefore investigated the effects of long-term embalming or freezing on the mechanical properties of cortical bone. METHODS: After 5 different storage periods (ranging from 0 to 12 months), goat femora and humeri were used to evaluate the effect of embalming and freezing on torsion, and on bending stiffness and strength. The effect on hardness and bone mineral density (BMD) was also evaluated. RESULTS: Even after 1 year, no statistically significant differences could be found in stiffness, strength, and energy absorption when we compared embalmed or frozen bones to a fresh reference group. In addition, although we found no significant change in BMD, there appears to be a tendency to increasing hardness. INTERPRETATION: We found that there was no effect on the mechanical properties of bone after storage periods of 1 year. We conclude that embalmed or frozen bones can safely be used for mechanical testing, at least for storage periods of up to one year.