A comparison of mortality rates following revision hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic fracture, infection or aseptic loosening.

BACKGROUND: Mortality following revision hip surgery for periprosthetic fracture (PPF) is comparable to neck of femur fractures. Our institution provides a regional "PPF Service". The aim of this study was to determine the time to surgery and mortality rate for PPF, compared to revision for infection or aseptic loosening. METHODS: Revision arthroplasty procedures performed for PPF, infection or aseptic loosening between January 2014 and December 2015 were identified. Comparisons were made between the 3 groups for baseline demographics, admission to higher-level care, length of stay, complications and mortality. RESULTS: There were 37 PPF, 71 infected and 221 aseptic revisions. PPF had a higher proportion of females (65% vs. 39% in infection and 53% in aseptic; p = 0.031) and grade 3 and 4 ASA patients (p = 0.006). Median time to surgery for PPF was 8 days (95% CI, 6-16). Single-stage procedures were performed in 84% of PPF, 42% of infections and 99% of aseptic revisions (p < 0.001). 19% of PPF revisions required HDU admission, 1% in the aseptic group and none in the infection group. Median length of stay was significantly different (PPF 10; infection 14; aseptic 8 days (p < 0.001). The 1-year mortality rate for PPF was 0%, 2.8% for infection and 0.9% in the aseptic group (p = 0.342). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the PPF group having higher ASA grades and more HDU admissions, our 1-year mortality rate was 0% and not significantly different to infection or aseptic loosening. Our low complication and 1-year mortality rate is encouraging and supports the safety of a regional "Periprosthetic Fracture Service".

The effect of uncemented acetabular liner geometry and lip size on the risk of revision for instability or loosening : a study on 202,511 primary hip arthroplasties from the National Joint Registry.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine if uncemented acetabular polyethylene (PE) liner geometry, and lip size, influenced the risk of revision for instability or loosening. METHODS: A total of 202,511 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) with uncemented acetabular components were identified from the National Joint Registry (NJR) dataset between 2003 and 2017. The effect of liner geometry on the risk of revision for instability or loosening was investigated using competing risk regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, indication, side, institution type, surgeon grade, surgical approach, head size, and polyethylene crosslinking. Stratified analyses by surgical approach were performed, including pairwise comparisons of liner geometries. RESULTS: The distribution of liner geometries were neutral (39.4%; 79,822), 10° (34.5%; 69,894), 15° (21.6%; 43,722), offset reorientating (2.8%; 5705), offset neutral (0.9%; 1,767), and 20° (0.8%; 1,601). There were 690 (0.34%) revisions for instability. Compared to neutral liners, the adjusted subhazard ratios of revision for instability were: 10°, 0.64 (p < 0.001); 15°, 0.48 (p < 0.001); and offset reorientating, 1.6 (p = 0.010). No association was found with other geometries. 10° and 15° liners had a time-dependent lower risk of revision for instability within the first 1.2 years. In posterior approaches, 10° and 15° liners had a lower risk of revision for instability, with no significant difference between them. The protective effect of lipped over neutral liners was not observed in laterally approached THAs. There were 604 (0.3%) revisions for loosening, but no association between liner geometry and revision for loosening was found. CONCLUSION: This registry-based study confirms a lower risk of revision for instability in posterior approach THAs with 10° or 15° lipped liners compared to neutral liners, but no significant difference between these lip sizes. A higher revision risk is seen with offset reorientating liners. The benefit of lipped geometries against revision for instability was not seen in laterally approached THAs. Liner geometry does not seem to influence the risk of revision for loosening. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1774-1782.

The effect of cemented acetabular component geometry on the risk of revision for instability or loosening : a study of 224,874 primary hip arthroplasties from the National Joint Registry.

AIMS: To determine if primary cemented acetabular component geometry (long posterior wall (LPW), hooded, or offset reorientating) influences the risk of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for instability or loosening. METHODS: The National Joint Registry (NJR) dataset was analyzed for primary THAs performed between 2003 and 2017. A cohort of 224,874 cemented acetabular components were included. The effect of acetabular component geometry on the risk of revision for instability or for loosening was investigated using log-binomial regression adjusting for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, indication, side, institution type, operating surgeon grade, surgical approach, polyethylene crosslinking, and prosthetic head size. A competing risk survival analysis was performed with the competing risks being revision for other indications or death. RESULTS: The distribution of acetabular component geometries was: LPW 81.2%; hooded 18.7%; and offset reorientating 0.1%. There were 3,313 (1.5%) revision THAs performed, of which 815 (0.4%) were for instability and 838 (0.4%) were for loosening. Compared to the LPW group, the adjusted subhazard ratio of revision for instability in the hooded group was 2.31 (p < 0.001) and 4.12 (p = 0.047) in the offset reorientating group. Likewise, the subhazard ratio of revision for loosening was 2.65 (p < 0.001) in the hooded group and 13.61 (p < 0.001) in the offset reorientating group. A time-varying subhazard ratio of revision for instability (hooded vs LPW) was found, being greatest within the first three months. CONCLUSION: This registry-based study confirms a significantly higher risk of revision after cemented THA for instability and for loosening when a hooded or offset reorientating acetabular component is used, compared to a LPW component. Further research is required to clarify if certain patients benefit from the use of hooded or offset reorientating components, but we recommend caution when using such components in routine clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1669-1677.

Early Functional Outcomes After Evolutionary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Is New Always Better?

Total knee replacement (TKR) designs continue to evolve with the aim of improving patient outcomes; however, there remains a significant patient dissatisfaction rate. We report the early functional outcomes of an evolutionary knee design in the context of a single-blinded, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive either the P.F.C. SIGMA or ATTUNE knee implant systems (DePuy Synthes). All implants were fixed-bearing, cruciate-retaining, and cemented constructs. Patients were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively using clinical and functional outcome measures, including range of motion, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Oxford Knee Score-Activity and Participation Questionnaire (OKS-APQ), Patient Knee Implant Performance (PKIP) score, 5-Level EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L), and Short Form-36 outcome measures. RESULTS: There were 150 patients who underwent a surgical procedure (76 with the ATTUNE implant and 74 with the P.F.C. SIGMA implant), with 147 patients remaining at the final review. No differences were observed in any of the outcome measures between the groups at any time point. Tourniquet time was significantly shorter in the P.F.C. SIGMA arm (p = 0.001); however, this had no clinical impact on the OKS (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] test) at the final review (p = 0.825). There was no difference in the numbers of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference for the OKS between the groups (p = 0.817). CONCLUSIONS: This trial did not show inferiority of the ATTUNE implant when compared with the P.F.C. SIGMA implant. The authors believe that implant innovation should continue and that modern implants should be introduced into the market following randomized controlled trials. Further work should assess the effect of non-implant-related factors on patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is patient satisfaction related to patient reported sounds from ceramic on ceramic total hip arthroplasty? A study of 265 hips.

INTRODUCTION: The ideal method and implant to perform total hip arthroplasty (THA) is still a debated topic. Ceramic on ceramic (CoC) bearings have favourable wear properties, but squeaking has been reported as an unwanted side effect. We aimed to determine the rate of noise generation from CoC hips and investigate whether there is a relationship with patient satisfaction. METHODS: A total of 246 consecutive CoC bearing uncemented THA were retrospectively identified in a single institution. Post-operatively patients were sent a postal questionnaire to evaluate their reported sounds and satisfaction with their THA. Uni- and multi-variate analyses were performed to identify potential predictor variables for reported post-operative sounds. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 172 patients (70% return rate). 24% reported sounds from their hips with 11% reporting a squeak. Median satisfaction levels were minimally, but significantly less for "noisy" (9/10) than "quiet" hips (10/10) (median difference = - 1, 95% CI - 2 to 0, p < 0.001). Compared to those with "noisy" hips, patients with "quiet" hips were 1.7 times (95% CI 1.3-2.5, p = 0.0002) more likely to report a "forgotten" hip. Younger age (p < 0.043) and increased anteversion (p < 0.021) were predictors for reported sounds. CONCLUSION: We have identified a high rate of "noisy" hips in this series of CoC THA with a significant inverse relationship between "noisy" hips and patient satisfaction levels. In our unit, we are moving towards the use of ceramic on cross-linked polyethylene bearings as a result of these findings and the excellent survivorship of this bearing combination.

Does oversizing an uncemented cup increase post-operative pain in primary total hip arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that one of the factors related to persistent post-operative pain following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is to over sizing of the acetabular component. In order to investigate this potential issue, we retrospectively analysed a series of consecutive uncemented THA. We assessed the incidence of persistent post-operative pain and the size difference between the implanted acetabular component and the native femoral head. METHODS: A total of 265 consecutive THAs were retrospectively identified. Standardised pre-operative radiographs were analysed using validated techniques to determine the native femoral head diameter. Post-operative standardised radiographs were reviewed and the acetabular orientation determined. Patients were sent postal questionnaires regarding their outcome and level of pain. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 169 patients (189 hips, 71% response rate). A total of 17 were excluded due to inadequate radiographs., leaving 172 THA in the study group. The mean native femoral head (NFH) size was 47 mm. The most common implanted acetabular component size was 52 mm. The mean difference in cup to NFH diameter (delta) was 5.7 mm (range - 6.1 to 15.4 mm; 95% CI 5.3-6.2 mm). A delta of > 6 mm was found to be significant for predicting persistent post-operative pain (RR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.1-3.1; P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that a delta of > 6 mm is associated with an increased risk of persistent post-operative pain following THA. We recommend pre-operative templating in all uncemented THA to ensure the planned acetabular component is no more than 6 mm larger than the NFH diameter.

Hip arthroscopy: a focus on the future.

The indications for hip arthroscopy over the last decade have increased rapidly, driven by technical and technological advances aimed at hip joint preservation. This article reviews the current indications and supporting evidence for hip arthroscopy, explores some newer techniques/technologies and discusses the future directions in this rapidly evolving and expanding field.

Complications in spinal deformity surgery in the United Kingdom: 5-year results of the annual British Scoliosis Society National Audit of Morbidity and Mortality.

PURPOSE: To provide a 5-year national overview of corrective spinal deformity surgery in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Since 2008, the British Scoliosis Society has collected predefined data on spinal deformity surgeries carried out by its members. Participating units collect and submit annual anonymised data pertaining to the number of deformity surgeries performed, age groups, aetiology (idiopathic versus non-idiopathic), mortality, deep infections and neurological deficit (complete, incomplete without resolution and incomplete with resolution). Overall aetiology proportions and complication rates were calculated, as well as funnel plots with control limits of individual complication rates by cases performed. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2012, 9,295 corrective spinal deformity procedures were performed. 4,445 (48%) were recorded as idiopathic and 2,917 (31%) as non-idiopathic. There were a total of 339 complications (3.6%). Deep infections occurred in 222 (2.82%), incomplete neurological deficit with resolution in 59 (0.65%), incomplete neurological deficit without resolution in 29 (0.32%), complete neurological deficit in 12 (0.13%) and mortality in 17 (0.19%). CONCLUSION: The complication rates reported in this study compare well with previously published studies. These reported results will hopefully serve to provide a benchmark for units in the UK providing corrective spinal deformity surgery to allow individual units to compare their complication rates against national averages and to provide national complication figures to aid in the consenting process of patients. Use of a spinal deformity registry, such as the British Spine Registry, is required to ensure ongoing service development and optimal healthcare provision.

Distal humeral fixation of an intramedullary nail periprosthetic fracture.

Distal humeral periprosthetic fractures below intramedullary nail devices are complex and challenging to treat, in particular due to the osteopenic/porotic nature of bone found in these patients. Fixation is often difficult to satisfactorily achieve around the intramedullary device, whilst minimising soft tissue disruption. Descriptions of such cases in the current literature are very rare. We present the case of a midshaft humeral fracture treated with a locking compression plate that developed a nonunion, in a 60-year old female. This went on to successful union after exchange for an intramedullary humeral nail. Unfortunately, the patient developed a distal 1/5th humeral periprosthetic fracture, which was then successfully addressed with a single-contoured, extra-articular, distal humeral locking compression plate (Synthes) with unicortical locking screws and cerclage cables proximally around the distal nail tip region. An excellent postoperative range of motion was achieved.

Traumatic isolated coracoid fractures in the adolescent.

Coracoid fractures are rare injuries in themselves. Even rarer are isolated fractures of the coracoid in the skeletally immature patient. Due to the low numbers of these fractures, there is no true consensus on how to treat them. We report two cases of an isolated fracture of the coracoid. Case A is a 13-year-old boy who sustained the coracoid fracture following a skiing injury; case B is a 15-year-old boy who fell onto the right shoulder during a wheelbarrow race at school. Initial radiographs in case A suggested a displaced fracture; however, a CT scan taken after a short period of conservative treatment showed minimal displacement. In case B both the radiographs and CT scan showed no displacement. Both injuries were treated conservatively and united uneventfully with a full return to function. We advocate conservative management for these injuries in the skeletally immature patient.

Established non-union of an operatively managed trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation progressing to spontaneous union.

Perilunate dislocations and fracture dislocations represent uncommon and unusual injuries that are often missed at initial presentation and diagnosed late in up to 25% of cases. Prompt open reduction, carpal stabilisation and ligamentous repair is required to reduce the risk of complications. We report a case of an established scaphoid non-union in an operatively managed perilunate fracture dislocation that spontaneously united almost 2 years after the initial injury, just before a planned revision scaphoid fixation with bone grafting. This case highlights the importance of initial clinical assessment together with appropriate radiographs and follow-up of these injuries post-operatively, especially when complications such as non-union arise.

Improving patient flow: the impact of consultant work pattern on trauma ward efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect on trauma ward efficiency of altering consultant shift patterns. DESIGN: Outcome measures were compared for neck of femur fracture patients before and after the consultant rota changed (Feb 2007) from a single day on-call to a full week on-call. SETTING: Patients admitted to Stirling Royal Infirmary with neck of femur fractures. PARTICIPANTS: 359 patients were identified from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit database for the year preceding the rota change and 379 after. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time to surgery for medically fit patients and overall length of stay on the acute trauma ward. RESULTS: Patients were operated on quicker after the rota change (Mann-Whitney U-test, before v after: z=2.67, p=0.008), with a greater percentage being operated within the first 24h (60% before v 78% after; Chi-square test, before v after: χ(1)(2)=19.9, p<0.001). Overall, the length of stay on the acute trauma ward was reduced (Chi-square test, before v after by intervals: χ(3)(2)=21.1, p<0.001). The proportion of patients discharged from the ward within one week increased from 47% before the rota change to 63% after. CONCLUSION: By applying the industry-based methods of 'process management', we have shown that a simple intervention (alteration of consultant shift patterns) has had a significant impact in reducing time to theatre for neck of femur trauma patients and reducing the length of stay on the acute trauma ward. Thus, the 'patient flow' has been made more efficient making more acute trauma beds available for new admissions.