Radiographic signs and hip pain 5 years after THA with a cemented stem predict future revision for aseptic loosening: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the long-term predictive value of radiographic abnormality and/or hip pain assessed 5 years following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the occurrence of revision for aseptic loosening between 5 and 25 years postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included all primary THAs performed between 1996 and 2011 (same uncemented cup, polyethylene-ceramic bearing, 28 mm head, cemented stem) and prospectively enrolled in the institutional registry, for whom baseline and follow-up radiographs were available. At 5 years radiographically we assessed femoral osteolysis and/or stem migration. Pain was evaluated with the Harris Hip pain subscore. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: 1,317 primary THAs were included. 25 THAs (2%) were revised for aseptic stem loosening. Any abnormal radiographic sign at 5 years was present in 191 THAs (14%). Occasional hip pain was reported by 20% and slight to severe pain by 12% of patients at 5 years. In patients < 60 years, 10 of the 12 later revised for aseptic stem loosening had abnormal radiographs at 5 years vs. 5 of the 13 later revised in those ≥ 60 years. Hazard ratios (HR) were 34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7-155) in younger vs. 4 (CI 1-11) in the older group. HR for association of hip pain at 5 years with future revision was 3 (CI 1-5). CONCLUSION: The presence of abnormal radiographic signs 5 years after THA was strongly associated with later revision for aseptic stem loosening, especially in patients < 60 years. The association between pain at 5 years and future revision was much weaker.

[Lessons learned from 25 years of an institutional hip and knee arthroplasty registry]. / Leçons apprises par 25 ans d'un registre institutionnel des prothèses de hanche et de genou.

Since 1996, the Geneva Arthroplasty Registry at the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) has been collecting, archiving and disseminating relevant high-quality information on primary total hip and knee arthroplasties and revision procedures performed at the Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Patients are followed throughout their lifetime with the prosthesis. The registry has been essential to better understand and subsequently improve the care of patients with hip and knee replacements. It will continue to fulfil its mission and to work towards an even more effective transfer of the knowledge obtained to all stakeholders and as well as towards its implementation.

Depuis 1996, le registre genevois des arthroplasties aux HUG recueille, archive et diffuse des informations pertinentes de haute qualité concernant les arthroplasties primaires de la hanche et du genou ainsi que les procédures de révision réalisées au Service de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologie de l'appareil moteur. Les patients sont suivis pendant toute leur vie avec la prothèse. Le registre a été essentiel pour mieux comprendre et ensuite améliorer la prise en charge de patients avec arthroplastie de hanche et de genou. Il continuera à remplir sa mission et à assurer une transmission encore plus efficace des connaissances obtenues vers tous les groupes concernés (stakeholders) et à leur implémentation.

Short stem total hip arthroplasty with the direct anterior approach demonstrates suboptimal fixation.

PURPOSE: Short stems use has increased substantially despite variable results reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report the rate of complications using a short stem implanted through the direct anterior approach (DAA), and to evaluate mid-term clinical and radiological results focusing on femoral stem fixation. METHODS: Between April 2009 and November 2014, 698 elective total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed using a fully hydroxyapatite-coated short stem (AMIStem-H®). The mean age was 65.7 years (SD 12.6). Patients were invited for clinical and radiological evaluation, and to complete patient-reported outcomes questionnaires at two and five years after surgery. The mean follow-up was 6.2 years (range 2-9.73 years). RESULTS: During the study period, 59 (8.5%) patients died and 24 (3.4%) were lost to follow-up. There were six (0.9%) dislocations and 12 (1.7%) fractures, seven occurred intra-operatively. Twenty-nine (4.2%) THAs required revision surgery. Eleven THAs were revised for aseptic loosening of the stem at a mean 4.9 years (1.2-7.3 years). Five years after surgery, radiographs of 324 THAs (324/425 eligible = 76.2%) were available. Stem subsidence ≥ 2 mm was present in 42 cases (12.9%), proximal radiolucencies in 101 hips (31.5%), cortical thickening in 52 (16.0%), and a pedestal in 219 (67.6%). An Engh score between - 10 and 0 was associated with lower HHS pain subscore (p = 0.005), a higher risk of stem revision for aseptic loosening (18.8% vs. 2.7%; p = 0.008), and was more frequent in younger patients with ASA score 1. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting radiological alterations at five years had an increased risk of revision for aseptic stem loosening and also inferior clinical results. Our study warrants further continued scrutiny of mid- and long-term survivorship of the AMIStem-H®, with radiological results at five years indicating suboptimal fixation of the stem in younger and active patients.

A new mini-open technique of arthroscopically assisted Latarjet.

BACKGROUND: The aim is to describe a new arthroscopically assisted Latarjet technique. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and radiological findings of 60 patients with chronic recurrent anterior gleno-humeral instability who underwent, between September 2013 and November 2014, an arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet procedure with double round endobutton fixation. Inclusion criteria were: chronic anterior recurrent instability, Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS) greater than three points, a glenoid bone defect > 15% or a Hill Sachs lesion with concomitant glenoid bone defect > 10%. During surgery the joint capsule and the anterior glenoid labrum were detached. Two drill tunnels perpendicular to the neck of the glenoid were made through a guide. An accessible pilot hole through the glenoid was created to allows the passage of guidewires for coracoid guidance and final fixation onto the anterior glenoid. Through a restricted deltopectoral access a coracoid osteotomy was made. Finally, the graft was prepared, inserted and secured using half-stitches. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 32.5 months (range 24-32 months). At a mean follow-up, 56 of the 60 subjects claimed a stable shoulder without postoperative complaints, two (3.3%) had an anterior dislocation after new traumatic injury, and two (3.3%) complained of subjective instability. At the latest follow-up, four subjects complained of painful recurrent anterior instability during abduction-external rotation with apprehension. At 1 year, the graft had migrated in one patient (1.7%) and judged not healed and high positioned in another patient (1.7%). Moreover, a glenoid bony gain of 26.3% was recorded. At the latest follow-up, three patients had grade 1 according to Samilson and Prieto classification asymptomatic degenerative changes. Nerve injuries and infections were not detected. None of the 60 patients underwent revision surgery. Healing rate of the graft was 96.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This technique of arthroscopically assisted Latarjet combines mini-open and arthroscopic approach for improving the precision of the bony tunnels in the glenoid and coracoid placement, minimizing any potential risk of neurologic complications. It can be an option in subjects with anterior gleno-humeral instability and glenoid bone defect. Further studies should be performed to confirm our preliminary results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number 61/int/2017 Name of registry: ORS Date of registration 11.5.2017 Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: September 2013 'retrospectively registered' LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

An arthroscopic bone block procedure is effective in restoring stability, allowing return to sports in cases of glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone deficiency.

PURPOSE: A group of patients affected by bone loss in the context of recurrent anterior shoulder instability were treated arthroscopically with a modified Eden-Hybinette technique since 2005. The last modification was made in 2013, consisting of fixation using a pair of specifically designed double round Endobuttons, which secure the bone graft to the glenoid rim placed through a guide. This report describes patients operated on after this last modification. No reports have described the results of this technique, and the purpose of this study was to assess early clinical and radiological results of an arthroscopic bone block procedure with double round Endobutton fixation. We hypothesized that this technique would restore shoulder stability in patients with anteroinferior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone deficit, with excellent clinical and radiological results. METHODS: The clinical and radiological efficacy of this procedure was retrospectively evaluated in 26 patients with an average follow-up of 29.6 months (range 24-33 months). RESULTS: At minimum 2-year follow-up, we had no recurrent anterior dislocations, excellent clinical results [average Walch-Duplay score 93.2, (SD 7.8); average Rowe score, 96.4 (SD 6.5); average SSV, 87.4 (SD 12.1); satisfaction rate, 88.5%; average loss of external rotation, 4.4° (SD 8.7°)] optimal graft positioning, and a healing rate of 92.3% on computed tomography scan. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic bone block grafting combined with a standard Bankart repair restored shoulder stability in patients with anteroinferior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone deficit, with excellent clinical and radiological results. This procedure did not substantially limit external rotation, allowing a high rate of return to sports even among competitive, overhead, and "at risk" athletes.

Arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet: an easy and reproducible technique for improving the accuracy of graft and screw placement.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the Latarjet largely depends on accurate graft placement, as well as on proper position and direction of the screws. We present our technique for an arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet comparing radiological results with the open technique. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the postoperative computed tomography scans of 38 patients who underwent a Latarjet procedure. For 16 patients, the procedure was performed with the open technique and, for 22 patients, it was performed using an arthroscopically-assisted technique. An independent radiologist evaluated graft and hardware position, as well as graft integration or resorption. Postoperative complications were also documented. RESULTS: The graft was correctly placed in only 18.8% of cases in the open group and 72.7% of cases in the arthroscopically-assisted group. There were no postoperative complications in the arthroscopically-assisted group, whereas one patient had a recurrence and two required hardware removal in the open group. CONCLUSIONS: The Latarjet procedure is a challenging procedure for which a key point is the correct placement of the coracoid graft onto the glenoid neck and correct position of the screws. The present study substantiates a clear benefit for the use of a guide with an arthroscopically-assisted technique in terms of graft and hardware placement. At short-term follow-up, there appears to be a benefit for graft integration and avoidance of resorption.

Arthroscopic Reduction with Endobutton Fixation for Glenoid Fracture.

Glenoid rim fractures, accompanied by acute glenohumeral dislocation or subluxation usually results in persistent instability. Traditionally open reduction and internal fixation has been recommended in displaced intra-articular glenoid fractures. However, open reduction is difficult, and it may not be possible to address the associated intra-articular soft-tissue injuries. A few reports of arthroscopic-assisted fixation of these fractures have been recently published. The most anatomic method for addressing an acute glenoid rim lesion is a reduction (either open or arthroscopic) and internal fixation. We are reporting a case of arthroscopic reduction and fixation of a glenoid fracture utilizing Endobuttons with clinical and radiological results at 18 months follow-up.

Arthroscopic treatment of glenoid bone loss.

Recurrent anterior instability of the glenohumeral joint has long been an arduous problem to solve surgically, owing to its difficulty to the need to restore both osseous and dynamic constraints in the unstable shoulder. Biomechanical studies have indicated that glenoid bone loss shortens the safe arc through which the glenoid can resist axial forces; in these cases, a soft tissue repair alone may be insufficient to maintain stability. Clinical studies have confirmed that major bone loss is associated with an unfavourable outcome. The benefits of using arthroscopic procedures for surgical stabilization of the shoulder include smaller incisions and less soft tissue dissection, better access for repair and, potentially, the maximum respect for the undamaged anatomical structures. The biggest disadvantage of arthroscopic procedures until recently was the inability to successfully treat a significant bone defect. Over the last 10 years, several new arthroscopic techniques have been developed, providing new surgical options for successfully treating soft tissues and bony lesions in anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability. Level of evidence V.

One step arthroscopically assisted Latarjet and posterior bone-block, for recurrent posterior instability and anterior traumatic dislocation.

This case presents the challenges of the surgical management for a patient with a history of recurrent posterior shoulder instability and subsequently traumatic anterior dislocation. The patient was already on the waiting list for an arthroscopic posterior stabilization with anchors, when a car accident caused an additional anterior shoulder dislocation. This traumatic anterior dislocation created a bone loss with a glenoid fracture and aggravated the preexisting posterior instability. In order to address both problems, we decided to perform an arthroscopically assisted Latarjet procedure for anterior instability and to stabilize with a bone graft for posterior instability. To our best knowledge, this type of surgical procedure has so far never been reported in the literature. The purpose of this report is to present the surgical technique and to outline the decision making process.

Strong association between smoking and the risk of revision in a cohort study of patients with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

Thus far the ability to predict who will develop early failure following the insertion of a metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing has been very limited. Our objective was to assess the effect of smoking on failure rates in patients with MoM bearing, compared with patients with ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) bearing. From a prospective hospital-based registry we included all primary THAs operated upon between 1/2001 and 12/2011 with MoM or CoP bearings of the same cup design and head size (28 mm). We compared revision rates through 10/2013 classified by smoking status and type of bearing. We included 1,964 patients (median age 71, 57% women), 663 with MoM and 1,301 with CoP bearing. Mean follow-up was 6.9 years (range 1.8-12.8). Revisions were required for 56 THAs. In patients with MoM bearing the adjusted incidence rate of revision among ever-smokers was four times greater than among never-smokers (95% CI 1.4-10.9). Among those with CoP bearing, the rate ratio was only 1.3 (95% CI 0.6-2.5). We found a strong association between smoking and increased failure of MoM THAs. In contrast, the association was weak for patients with CoP bearing. Smoking might be a trigger or an effect amplifier for adverse reactions to metal debris from MoM bearings.

Arthroscopic bone graft procedure for anterior inferior glenohumeral instability.

There are many described surgical techniques for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Numerous authors have performed anterior bone block procedures with good results for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. The benefits of using arthroscopic procedures for surgical stabilization of the shoulder include smaller incisions with less soft-tissue dissection, better visualization of the joint, better repair accessibility, and the best possible outcome for external rotation. We describe an arthroscopic anteroinferior shoulder stabilization technique with an iliac crest tricortical bone graft and capsulolabral reconstruction. It is an all-arthroscopic technique with the advantage of not using fixation devices, such as screws, but instead using special buttons to fix the bone graft. The steps of the operation are as follows: precise placement of a specific posterior glenoid guide that allows the accurate positioning of the bone graft on the anterior glenoid neck; fixation of the graft flush with the anterior glenoid rim using specific buttons under arthroscopic control; and finally, subsequent capsular, labral, and ligament reconstruction on the glenoid rim using suture anchors and leaving the graft as an extra-articular structure.

Arthroscopically assisted Latarjet procedure: A new surgical approach for accurate coracoid graft placement and compression.

The Latarjet procedure is a confirmed method for the treatment of shoulder instability in the presence of bone loss. It is a challenging procedure for which a key point is the correct placement of the coracoid graft onto the glenoid neck. We here present our technique for an athroscopically assisted Latarjet procedure with a new drill guide, permitting an accurate and reproducible positioning of the coracoid graft, with optimal compression of the graft onto the glenoid neck due to the perfect position of the screws: perpendicular to the graft and the glenoid neck and parallel between them.

Should aspirin be stopped before carpal tunnel surgery? A prospective study.

AIM: To determine whether patients taking aspirin during carpal tunnel release had an increase of complications. METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2010, 150 patients underwent standard open carpal tunnel release (CTR) under intravenous regional anaesthesia. They were divided into three groups: groups 1 and 2 were made of 50 patients each, on aspirin 100 mg/d for at least a year. In group 1 the aspirin was never stopped. In group 2 it was stopped at least 5 d before surgery and resumed 3 d after. Group 3 acted as a control, with 50 patients who did not take aspirin. The incidence of clinically significant per- or post-operative complications was recorded and divided into local and cardio-cerebro-vascular complications. Local complications were then divided into minor and major according to Page and Stern. Local haematomas were assessed at 2 d (before resuming aspirin in group 2) and 14 d (after resuming aspirin in group 2) postoperatively. Patients were reviewed at 2, 14 and 90 d after surgery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications in the three groups. A total of 3 complications (2 major and 1 minor) and 27 visible haematomas were recorded. Two major complications were observed respectively in group 1 (non stop aspirin) and in group 3 (never antiaggregated). The minor complication, observed in one patient of group 2 (stop aspirin), consisted of a wound dehiscence, which only led to delayed healing. All haematomas were observed in the first 48 h, no haematoma lasted for more than 2 wk and all resolved spontaneously. A major haematoma (score > 20 cm(2)) was observed in 8 patients. A minor haematoma (score < 20 cm(2)) was recorded in 19 patients. All patients at 90 d after surgery were satisfied with the result in terms of relief of their preoperative symptoms. Major and minor haematomas did not impair hand function or require any specific therapy. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that continuation of aspirin did not increase the risk of complications. It is unnecessary to stop aspirin before CTR with good surgical techniques.

A functional BCR in human IgA and IgM plasma cells.

Plasma cells (PCs) are terminally differentiated cells of the B-cell lineage that secrete antibodies at a high rate and are thought to lack the expression of the B-cell receptor (BCR). Here, we report that human IgA and IgM, unlike IgG, PCs express a membrane functional BCR associated with the Igα/Igß heterodimer. BCR cross-linking on IgA and IgM PCs led to Ca(2+) mobilization and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT phosphorylation and impacted survival of IgA PCs. These findings demonstrate a significant difference between human IgG, IgM, and IgA PCs and suggest that the IgA PC repertoire may be modulated by specific antigens with implications for the regulation of the mucosal immune system.

Statins may reduce femoral osteolysis in patients with total Hip arthroplasty.

In experimental studies, statin use has been associated with reduction of osteoclastic activity and promotion of bone formation around implants. Moreover, a large clinical study recently reported a substantially reduced risk of revision for aseptic loosening among statin users with THA. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of statin use on the development of femoral osteolysis within 5 years after THA. We conducted a case-cohort study including all THAs presenting with femoral osteolysis at the 5 year visit (cases) and compared them with those without osteolysis (controls). Cases and controls were identified from a cohort of primary THAs operated between 2001 and 2005. Seven hundred thirty-five THAs were included, mean age 68 years. Five years after surgery osteolysis had developed around the femoral component of 40 THAs (5.4%). Ever-use of statins was much less frequent among cases (5 of 40, 12.5%) than among controls (199 of 695, 28.6%). The crude risk ratio of femoral osteolysis among statin users was 0.36 (95% CI 0.14; 0.92). After adjusting for age, sex, activity level, BMI, diagnosis, bearing surface, and type of stem, the adjusted risk ratio was 0.38 (95% CI 0.15; 0.99). In conclusion, statin use was associated with a reduced risk of developing femoral osteolysis 5 years after THA. Statins may be useful for reducing the risk of implant failure following THA.

Patients' point of view on informed consent: a prospective study in carpal tunnel surgery.

Patients' perception of consent form (CF) is not well known and many patients tend to view the CF as an administrative act. As part of a prospective study, a questionnaire was sent to 188 consecutive patients within 1 month after carpal tunnel release. Questions focused on patients' recall about risks, benefits, alternative options, preferences about decisions process and global satisfaction with CF. Patient's understanding of the legal consequences of the CF was analysed. Risk's recall rate was 59%. CF reduced preoperative anxiety in 65% and the influence in patients' decision was relevant in 55% of cases. Patients have limited understanding of the legal consequences of the consensus and 29% of patients believed that primary function was to protect hospital. Ten percent believed that CF expunges patients' right to compensation in case of claims. Patient involvement in medical decision-making is a key aspect of patient centred care. A substantial uncertainty exists about legal implication of CF, leading to potential discord.

Fracture of the radial sesamoid bone of the thumb: an unusual fracture.

The hand consists of five sesamoids. Two of them are present at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb. Fracture of the sesamoid bones of the thumb is a rare injury and the literature on the radial side is seldom reported. We reported a case of a patient with a fracture of the radial sesamoid at the MCP joint of the thumb in order to increase attention regarding this type of injuries. A 44-year-old male, high level gymnastic trainer, was helping one of his athletes during an exercise while he reported a hyperextension trauma to the MCP joint of the right thumb. One week after trauma, he presented to the hand surgeon complaining of a painful thumb at the MCP joint level on its palmar aspect. Standard A-P and lateral X-rays revealed a fracture of the radial sesamoid and the fracture was treated with a splint for 3 weeks. He was able to resumed his entire work 6 weeks after the injury. The sesamoid fractures is an indicator of the magnitude of the hyperextension injury and sometimes associated with tears of the volar plate ligament of the MCP joint. And a failure to recognize the ligament injury may lead to a long-term hyperextension instability on pinching.

α-Smooth muscle actin and TGF-ß receptor I expression in the healing rabbit medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments.

The aim of our study was to advance the knowledge about the biological differences in the healing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) versus the medial collateral ligament (MCL). We quantified α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and TGF-ß receptor I (TGF-ßRI) expression in experimentally injured rabbit ligaments (from day 3 to 12 weeks post-injury). Myofibroblasts (α-SMA positive cells) were identified as early as the third day post-injury in MCL and their density increased steadily up to day 21. Myofibroblasts were also detected in injured ACL but their density remained very low at all time points. The percentage of positive TGF-ßRI area significantly increased in both injured ligaments compared to controls, with a peak expression at day 21; however, it remained constantly lower in ACL compared to MCL. A significant correlation was found between the percentage of TGF-ßRI positive cells and the percentage of α-SMA expression only in injured MCL. These results provide evidence that myofibroblasts are important players in MCL remodelling after injury. The combined presence of myofibroblasts and TGF-ßRI in the first 3 weeks post-MCL injury may partially explain the difference in the MCL and ACL healing process.

Ten-year results with the Morscher press-fit cup: an uncemented, non-modular, porous-coated cup inserted without screws.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with well designed cementless acetabular implants has shown excellent results. The purpose of this study was to assess our clinical and radiological outcomes using an uncemented cup. We conducted a prospective cohort study including all consecutive primary THAs performed with the Morscher press-fit cup, an uncemented non-modular acetabular component, between March 1996 and December 1998. Patients were evaluated at ten years with clinical and radiological follow-up, patient satisfaction and questionnaire assessment using the Harris hip score (HHS), Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score, the UCLA score, the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) and a visual analog scale. Five hundred sixty-one THAs were performed in 518 patients. At 120 months (± 7.3 months), 303 patients with 335 THAs were still available for follow-up. None of the patients had required cup revision for aseptic loosening. At ten years, the cup survivorship was 98.8% (95% CI 97.4-99.5) with cup revision for any cause as an endpoint. No radiolucencies were seen around the cups, but osteolytic defects involved 21 stems (8.3%). Mean total linear polyethylene wear was 0.9 mm. The Morscher acetabular replacement cup provides excellent results at ten years. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening of the cup, and no osteolytic defects were found around the cup. Patient satisfaction was high and the clinical results were very good.

Analysis of the inter- and intra-observer agreement in radiographic evaluation of wrist fractures using the multimedia messaging service.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgeons are often asked to evaluate X-rays of patients admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department with the suspicion of a wrist fracture or, in the case of an evident fracture, to decide the correct treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a correct interpretation of the images of injured wrists on the screen of a last generation mobile phone, in order to evaluate if the specialist could make the right diagnosis and choose the correct treatment. METHODS: Five orthopaedic and one hand surgeons have evaluate the X-rays of 67 patients who sustained an injury to their wrist. In the case of fracture, they were asked to classify it according to the AO and Mayo classification systems. The evaluation of the images was accomplished through the PACS and using a mobile phone, at a different time. In order to check the inter- and intra-observer reliability, the same pattern was followed after a few months. RESULTS: The mobile phone showed basically the same agreement between the observers highlighting the worsening of the inter- and intra-observer reliability with the increment of the variables considered by a classification system. CONCLUSIONS: The present paper confirms that a last generation mobile phone can already be used in the clinical practise of orthopaedic surgeons on call who could use it as a useful device in remote or poorly served areas for a rapid and economic consultation LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: The level of evidence of this case is economic and decision analysis, level 2.