Outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of distal humeral fractures in the elderly: A retrospective cohort comparison between primary arthroplasty and arthroplasty secondary to failed internal fixation.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty as the index procedure in the treatment of traumatic distal humerus fractures, with secondary total elbow arthroplasty following failed internal fixation. The secondary objectives were to compare the complication rates and the radiographic results in the two groups. Our hypothesis was that the clinical results of total elbow arthroplasty performed secondarily to failed internal fixation were comparable to primary total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of distal humerus fractures in the elderly population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort comparison study, including 60 patients with a median age of 80 years (71-85), who either underwent a primary total elbow arthroplasty (group 1; 45 patients), or secondary total elbow arthroplasty following failed internal fixation (group 2; 15 patients), in the treatment of a post-traumatic supra and intercondylar fracture of the distal humerus, between January 2004 and January 2021. The clinical examination, including MEPS score and triceps proficiency test, complication rates and the need for re-operation were noted. The average clinical and radiographic follow-up was 40.8 months (24-120). RESULTS: The clinical results of the two groups were comparable when looking at the MEPS score (90.00 [85.00, 100.00] p= 0.486). With regards to complications, there were 2 surgical site infections in group 1 and 3 in group 2 (p=0.099), 1 case of mechanical loosening of the humeral component in group 1 and 1 in group 2 (p= 0.448), and 1 patient with triceps insufficiency in group 1. CONCLUSION: Secondary total elbow arthroplasty following failed internal fixation has shown good functional results, and a complication rate comparable to that of index total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of articular fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly.

The coronal plane alignment of the knee classification does not correlate with the functional knee phenotype classification.

PURPOSE: It is now well established that the coronal anatomy of the lower limb is highly variable both in non-arthritic subjects and subjects undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Two new classifications were recently described independently, but never compared: functional knee phenotypes classification and coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification. The hypothesis of this study was that there was a significant difference between the values of the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) and the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) measures in the same patient at the time of TKA. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty cases were randomly selected among patients operated on for a TKA with navigation assistance. Anatomical parameters were collected during surgery by a navigation system, and the corresponding data of the CPAK classification were calculated. The numerical values of measured HKA and aHKA in the same patient were compared. RESULTS: The measured HKA had a mean of 3.0° varus (standard deviation of 6.0°). The calculated aHKA had a mean of 1.8° varus (standard deviation 4.8°). There was a significant difference between the values of the two measurements in the same subject (p = 0.005) and a weak negative correlation between the values of the two measurements in the same subject. In addition, there was no relationship between HKA values and joint line obliquity values or CPAK class. CONCLUSION: A significant difference and a weak correlation between the values of the HKA and aHKA measures in the same subject were observed. The two analysis techniques used provide different information, and their correlation is only partial. These two techniques therefore appear to be complementary rather than exclusive. The clinical relevance of using these techniques during TKA remains unknown. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Is early mobilization a viable option after intramedullary nailing of 4-parts proximal humerus fractures?

INTRODUCTION: After centromedullary nailing (CMN) of 4-parts (4P) cephalo-tuberositary fractures of the proximal humerus (PH), shoulder immobilization for a few weeks is usual, although no scientific justification does support this attitude, nor the duration of immobilization. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of early mobilization after CMN of PH 4P fractures on clinical, radiological outcomes and complication rates. The hypothesis was that early mobilization would not lead to a deterioration in results or an increase in the complication rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients operated on for a 4P-PH fracture by CMN in our institution between 2010 and 2018 were included retrospectively. 2 groups were formed according to the duration of post-operative immobilization of the shoulder: 0-2 weeks (group A) and 3-6 weeks (group B). All patients had a clinical examination (Range of motion ROM and Constant score) and X-rays of the shoulder at least 24 months of follow-up. 58 patients (average age 66 years (39-89)) were included, with 25 in group A and 33 in group B. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 38.5 (24-73) months. The active ROM at the last follow-up was: active anterior elevation 149° (80°-180°) in group A versus 134 (60°-180°) in group B (p = 0.099); active external rotation 145° (15°-70°) in group A versus 42° (15-70°) in group B (p = 0.6). The Absolute Mean Constant score was 78.29 for Group A (45-100) versus 68.59 points (45-96) for Group B (p = 0.065). Regarding complications: in group A, we found 2 retractile capsulitis, 2 pseudarthrosis and 2 osteonecrosis of the humeral head. In group B, we found 5 retractile capsulitis, 1 infection of the surgical site, 3 osteonecrosis of the humeral head and 1 pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSION: Early mobilization after CMN of 4P-PH fractures did not lead to an increase in the complications rate and in particular secondary displacements or osteonecrosis. There was a trend toward improved clinical outcomes with early mobilization, although this trend was not statistically significant. EVIDENCE LEVEL: IV, retrospective study.

The coronal alignment technique impacts deviation from native knee anatomy after total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze and quantify the changes in native coronal alignment of a population of TKA patients according to different alignment goals. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty TKAs were analyzed. The following angles were measured using an image-free navigation system prior to prosthetic implantation: medial femorotibial mechanical angle without stress and with maximum manual stress to reduce the deformity, medial distal femoral mechanical angle, medial proximal tibial mechanical angle. The native angles were derived from the osteoarthritic knee angles using a validated correction technique, and the overall, femoral and tibial coronal phenotypes were defined. Five different coronal alignment techniques were simulated: mechanical (MA), restricted mechanical (RMA), anatomical (AA), kinematic (KA) and restricted kinematic (RKA). The overall, femoral and tibial coronal phenotypes were compared before and after TKA. The primary endpoint was the binary criterion of whether or not TKA restored the natural overall phenotype. Secondary endpoints were the binary criteria of whether or not the natural femoral and tibial phenotypes were restored by TKA. The rates of restored and non restored phenotypes were compared with a Chi-square test at a 0.05 level of significance, with post hoc tests between all pairs of techniques at a 0.01 level of significance. RESULTS: The overall phenotype was restored significantly differently by the five alignment techniques: 15% for MA, 23% for RMA, 2% for AA, 100% for KA and 79% for RKA (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between each of the technique pairs (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), except for the mechanical alignment-restricted mechanical alignment pair. The femoral phenotype was restored significantly differently by the five alignment techniques: 37% for MA, 58% for RMA, 19% for AA, 100% for KA and 85% for RKA (p < 0.001). The tibial phenotype was restored significantly differently by the five alignment techniques: 36% for MA, 36% for RMA, 17% for AA, 100% for KA and 88% for RKA (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between each pair of techniques for both femoral and tibial phenotypes (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Except for the kinematic alignment technique, the various alignment techniques induce significant changes in the pre-arthritic anatomy of the TKA patient. The surgeon must be aware of these modifications. The clinical relevance of this alteration still needs to be defined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Functional knee phenotypes of OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty are significantly more varus or valgus than in a non-OA control group.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the coronal alignment of a large population of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty using a modern classification of the knee phenotypes found in a population of non-osteoarthritic individuals. METHODS: Five hundred and four navigated total knee arthroplasties were included in the OA group. The following angles were measured with a computer image-free navigation system: mechanical femorotibial angle measured on the medial side without stress and with maximum manual stress to reduce deformation, and medial distal femoral mechanical angle. The native medial distal femoral and medial proximal tibial angles (coronal orientation of the femoral or tibial joint line after correction of wear) were calculated. The data were analysed as categorical data. These data were then compared with those published in a non-arthritic population, considered as a control non-OA group. The main criterion was the percentage of subjects with normal overall coronal alignment, defined by the association of a normal native medial distal femoral angle and a normal native medial proximal tibial angle. The secondary criteria were the percentages of subjects with normal medial femorotibial mechanical angle, normal native medial distal femoral angle and normal native medial proximal tibial angle. The influence of gender on primary and secondary criteria in the study group was analysed. The most frequent phenotypes in the study group were identified. RESULTS: Normal overall coronal alignment was found in 66 patients in the OA group (12.7%) and 76 patients in the non-OA-group (24.7%) (p < 0.01 after adjustment by gender). There were fewer normal patients in the OA-group than in the non-OA-group for medial femorotibial mechanical angle, native medial distal femoral angle and native medial proximal tibial angle. In females, there were significantly fewer normal medial femorotibial mechanical angle. In males, there were significantly more cases with native medial distal femoral varus and in females more cases with native medial distal femoral valgus. There was no significant influence of gender on native medial proximal tibial angle. There was a wider distribution of the phenotypes in the OA-group than in the non-OA-group. CONCLUSION: The distribution of functional phenotypes of the knee in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty is different from those found in a reference non-osteoarthritic population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Analysis of factors associated with sagittal alignment deterioration after correction of degenerative scoliosis by in situ contouring.

INTRODUCTION: In situ contouring is one of the surgical techniques used for scoliosis reduction. The initial correction could change over time, with deterioration of the sagittal balance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the loss of correction after degenerative lumbar scoliosis surgery using in situ contouring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full spine radiographs of 73 patients (mean age 63.3 years, mean follow-up 27 months) were analyzed before surgery, after surgery, and at the final follow-up. The following radiographic parameters were measured: C2-C7 lordosis, T4-T12 kyphosis, L1-S1 lordosis, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, SVA C7, SVA C2, Cobb angle. Bayesian inference was used to compare the changes in these parameters. A probability>0.95 was considered as a significant change. RESULTS: After surgery, lumbar lordosis increased from -28.4° to -37.8° (probability 0.999), then decreased to -32.1° at the final follow-up (probability 0.953). Thoracic kyphosis increased from 29.6° to 37.4° after surgery (probability 1.00) and continued to increase to 41.6° at the final follow-up (probability 0.999). SVA C7 increased from 38.5mm to 62.3mm (probability 0.999) and pelvic tilt from 19.4° to 25.1° (probability 1.00) during the follow-up period. Ten patients had to be reoperated because of a surgical site infection. Infection (14%) was associated with an increase of SVA C7 (probability 0.989) and thoracic kyphosis (probability 0.987). Nonunion (16%) was associated with a decrease in lumbar lordosis (probability 0.756). CONCLUSION: Correction of degenerative lumbar scoliosis by in situ contouring resulted in sagittal balance correction; however, some of this correction was lost during the follow-up period. The main risk factors were deep wound infection and nonunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Retrospective study.

Functional and anatomical outcomes of single-stage arthroscopic bimeniscal replacement.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal replacement by an allograft or scaffold has been proven effective in patients with post-meniscectomy pain syndrome. Replacement of both menisci is a rarely performed procedure about which little is known. The primary objective of this work was to assess the functional outcomes of arthroscopic bimeniscal replacement. The secondary objectives were to evaluate meniscal healing and the time-course of cartilage lesions. HYPOTHESIS: Single-stage arthroscopic bimeniscal replacement provides good functional and anatomical outcomes, similar to those seen after replacement of a single meniscus, in adults with post-meniscectomy pain syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients received regular follow-up after single-stage arthroscopic bimeniscal replacement by an allograft and/or substitute, with or without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Median follow-up was 30 months (range, 24-68 months). Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the knee obtained before surgery and at last follow-up were evaluated. The following parameters were recorded: KOOS and IKDC score, knee osteoarthritis, knee alignment, condition of the cartilage, healing of the meniscal replacement material, meniscal extrusion, and other complications. RESULTS: Allografts were used to replace both menisci in 3 patients, whereas 2 patients received a lateral allograft and a medial scaffold. The median subjective IKDC score was 83.9 (range, 55.1-94.3) and the median objective IKDC score was B (range, A-C). The median global KOOS was 85.7 (range, 65.7-92.3). Extrusion occurred for one medial and two lateral menisci. CONCLUSION: Bimeniscal replacement by an allograft and/or substitute provides good short-term functional and anatomical outcomes. Nevertheless, this procedure is warranted only in highly selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Possible factors associated with sagittal malalignment recurrence after pedicle subtraction osteotomy.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study investigates sagittal alignment after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). The purpose was to investigate factors associated with malalignment recurrence. METHODS: Full spine radiographs were analyzed in 66 patients (average age 54.5 years, follow-up 3.8 years). Measurements were taken preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, at follow-up: SVA C2 and C7, C2-C7 lordosis, T4-T12 kyphosis, L1-S1 lordosis, PSO lordosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope. Follow-up CTs were screened for pseudarthrosis and gas in sacroiliac joints. RESULTS: PSO lordosis increased from 11.8° to 40.8° (p < 0.0001) and kept stable. Lumbar lordosis increased from 28.6° to 57.7° (p < 0.0001) and decreased to 49.7° (p = 0.0008). Pelvic tilt decreased from 29.2° to 16.5° (p < 0.0001) and increased to 22.5° (p < 0.0001). SVA C7 decreased from 105.1 to 35.5 mm (p < 0.0001) and increased to 64.8 mm (p = 0.0005). Twenty-eight patients (42%) had an SVA C7 increase of more than 70 mm in the postoperative course: recurrence group. These patients were older: 62.8 years versus 52.3 years (p = 0.0031). Loss of lordosis was 11.9° (recurrence group) versus 5.0° (non-recurrence group). Eleven patients (17%) had pseudarthrosis. Pelvic incidence increased by 9.3° (recurrence group) versus 3.8° (non-recurrence group). In 23 patients (35%), pelvic incidence increased > 10°. Gas was evidenced in sacroiliac joints in 22 patients (33%). CONCLUSION: Postoperative anterior malalignment recurrence may occur after PSO. Elderly patients were at risk of recurrence. Loss of lumbar lordosis linked to pseudarthrosis represented another factor. With malalignment recurrence, anterior trunk rotation and pelvic retroversion might additionally have augmented moments across sacroiliac joints with subsequent ligament laxity and pelvic incidence increase. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Teaching of distal radius shortening osteotomy: three-dimensional procedural simulator versus bone procedural simulator.

In order to facilitate the learning of distal radius shortening osteotomy by junior surgeons, the main assumption was that using a three-dimensional procedural simulator was better than a bone procedural simulator. After viewing a video, ten junior surgeons performed a distal radius shortening osteotomy: five with a bone procedural simulator (Group 1) and five with a three-dimensional procedural simulator (Group 2). All subsequently performed the same surgery on fresh cadaveric bones. The duration of the procedure, shortening of the radius, and the level of osteotomy were significantly better in Group 2. The three-dimensional procedural simulator seems to teach distal radius osteotomy better than a bone model and could be useful in teaching and learning bone surgery of the wrist.