Correlation of tibial parameters like medial, lateral posterior tibial slope and medial plateau depth with ACL injuries: randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare variables such as medial posterior tibial slope, lateral posterior tibial slope, medial tibial plateau depth calculated by preoperative MRI, and posterior tibial slope calculated by lateral knee X-ray on randomly selected patients with ACL injuries to a control group of patients without the injury. The secondary aim is to determine the critical value of these parameters and ascertain whether they can be used as a screening tool to identify at-risk individuals. METHODS: Study participants included 426 subjects with noncontact knee injuries. Using stratified systematic random sampling, they were randomly divided into two equal groups of sixty, one for patients with ACL tears, and the other for those with ACL that was intact based on clinical and MRI findings. Based on the blinded assessment, MPTS, LPTS, MTPD, and PTS were assessed in MRI and lateral knee X-ray (PTS only), and the results were compared between groups using appropriate statistical models. RESULTS: There were higher MPTS, LPTS, and PTS scores in the ACL tear group when compared to the control group (p < 0.01), while MTPD was lower when compared to the control group (p > 0.05). ROC analysis for predicting ACL tear revealed an area under the curve for MPTS, LPTS, PTS, and MTPD as 0.942, 0.907, 0.967, and 0.878, respectively. The critical angle for MPTS, LTPS, PTS and MTPD was 8.25°,6.75°,8.5° and 2.25 mm, respectively, which has sensitivity of 91.0%, 86.7%, 93.3% and 80%; specificity of 86.7%, 78.3%, 90.0% and 71.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medial posterior tibial slope, lateral posterior tibial slope, and posterior tibial slope were significantly higher in individuals in the ACL tear group but there was no significant difference in medial tibial plateau depth. MPTS, LPTS, and PTS are better predictors of identifying at-risk individuals predisposed to ACL injury than MTPD.

Risk Factors of 120-Day Mortality Among Hip Fractures With Concomitant COVID-19 Infection.

Background Hip fractures cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has only worsened the global burden. Increased 120-day mortality is well established in the literature among hip fractures with COVID-19. However, the risk factors associated with mortality have been poorly understood. We aimed to determine the risk factors associated with increased 120-day mortality among hip fractures with COVID-19. Methods Seventy patients with hip fractures with confirmed COVID-19 infection between March 2020 and December 2021 were included. Thirty-three patients who died within 120 days of admission were allotted to the non-survivor group and the rest 37 patients were allotted to the survivor group. Various parameters such as demographic variables, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), Abbreviated Mental Score Test (AMTS), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), fracture type, operation type, and delay in surgery were compared between the groups to determine the risk factors for increased mortality. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to know the independent association with increased mortality. Results A total of 33 patients died within 120 days giving the 120-day mortality rate of 47.1%. Baseline parameters such as ASA, AMTS on admission, NEWS on admission, and type of residence did not significantly affect mortality. The mean NHFS was significantly high in non-survivors (5.38 ± 1.52) compared to survivors (4.40 ± 1.75) (p < 0.001). Similarly, mean CCI was also significantly high in non-survivors (5.58 ± 1.74) compared to survivors (4.76 ± 2.29) (p < 0.001). A total of 70% (seven out of 10) of patients with delayed surgery of more than 36 hours from the admission died within 120 days of admission (p < 0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in patients who underwent internal fixation of fractures like a dynamic hip screw (DHS) or intramedullary (IM) nailing than in those who underwent hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty (THA). Post-operative parameters such as early mobilization and the multidisciplinary approach to review these patients made no difference to the mortality. Multivariate regression analysis of the parameters that made a significant difference in the mortality showed that delay in surgery and type of surgery (internal fixation) independently increased the mortality among these patients (p < 0.001). However, NHFS and CCI were not independently affecting the mortality among hip fractures with concomitant COVID-19. Conclusion The 120-day mortality rate among patients with hip fractures with concomitant COVID-19 was 47.1%. Delay in surgery of more than 36 hours and patients who underwent internal fixation were independent risk factors associated with increased mortality among these patients.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Does It Alter Postoperative Mortality and Morbidity in Hip Fractures?

Introduction The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination on mortality in patients with hip fractures by comparing it to those who are unvaccinated. Our secondary objective was to compare the impact on postoperative morbidity parameters like length of hospital stay and complications. Methods A total of 619 hip fractures were divided into the 'Vaccinated group' consisting of 300 patients who had COVID-19 vaccination and the 'Unvaccinated group' consisting of 319 patients who were not vaccinated. Patient demographic variables, Nottingham hip fracture score, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, type of anaesthesia used, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were collected. Our primary outcome measures were 30- and 90-day mortality. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative complications like thromboembolic complications, cardiac, and respiratory complications, etc. Mortality among the COVID-positive patients was also compared between the groups. Results Thirty-day postoperative mortality was higher in the unvaccinated group at 13.2% than in the vaccinated group at 5.3%. A similar increase in 90-day mortality was also observed in the unvaccinated group at 24.8% when compared to 14.7% in the vaccinated group(p<0.001). Despite having a higher baseline prevalence of cardiac comorbidities, the Vaccinated group had fewer post-operative cardiac, thromboembolic, and neurological complications (p>0.05). Moreover, electrolyte imbalance and AKI were also seen in fewer patients in the vaccinated group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that among the vaccinated patients who did have perioperative COVID-19 infection, the 30-day mortality was significantly lower (10%) compared to the control group (31.2%) (p<0.001). Similarly, 90-day mortality was significantly lower (25%) compared to the control group (43.75%) (p<0.001). Conclusion Vaccination against COVID-19 independently reduced mortality and morbidity among patients with hip fractures when compared to those who are not vaccinated. Furthermore, it decreased the risk of acquiring COVID-19, and subsequent postoperative complications. Among those who are infected with COVID-19 despite vaccination, the mortality was significantly lesser.

Functional Outcomes, Survival Rate, and Complications of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Mid-Term Results From Independent Center.

Background Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is indicated for isolated patellofemoral arthritis. PFA is a less invasive, bone-preserving procedure with faster recovery when compared to total knee replacement. We aim to present the functional outcome, survival rate, and complications of PFA from our center. Methods A total of 45 consecutive PFA performed (mean age 58.02 ± 9.2 years; 34 females and 11 males; Avon prosthesis) during the study period was included. Prosthesis survivorship was measured using revision as the endpoint, and functional outcome was assessed using Oxford knee scores (OKSs), EQ-5D, and satisfaction scores. Postoperative complications, the number of revisions, and the reasons causing them were collected. Results The mean follow-up was 48.7 (range 16-66) months. As compared to preoperative scores, OKS and Eq5d showed significant improvements (p<0.001). The satisfaction scores indicated that 28 patients (62%) were very satisfied, 10 (26.7%) were satisfied, and seven (15.5%) were dissatisfied. Four patients (8.9%) underwent revision surgery with a total knee replacement. Out of four patients requiring revision, two had progressive arthritis of the medial compartment, one had aseptic loosening of the implants, and one had trauma. Five patients showed persistent anteromedial knee pain (12.2%); one patient had maltracking requiring lateral release; one patient developed stiffness with knee flexion less than 60 degrees requiring manipulation under anesthesia. Conclusion Our results indicated that good or excellent functional outcomes can be expected in >80% of patients with survivorship of 91.1% at mid-term. Careful patient selection and counseling should be done informing of the risk of dissatisfaction/persistent pain and revision surgery in the mid and long term. Long-term outcomes and factors determining good outcomes need to be evaluated in future research.

Accelerometer-Based Handheld Navigation Instrumentation in Total Knee Arthroplasty Decrease Blood Loss Compared to Conventional Instrumentation: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Introduction Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) can be associated with significant peri- and post-operative blood loss necessitating blood transfusion. The blood loss may be relatively less when the accelerometer-based handheld navigation system (HHNS) is used, as there is neither a need for intramedullary breach nor additional pin insertions. The primary hypothesis was that HHNS instrumentation reduced perioperative blood loss when compared with conventional instrumentation, and to prove this, we compared the perioperative parameters like tourniquet time, hemoglobin loss, and estimated blood loss between patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty using conventional instrumentation with handheld navigation instrumentation. Methods This prospective comparative study involves 40 patients in the HHNS group and 40 patients in the conventional group based on the instrumentation used, respectively. Tourniquet was used in all the cases. Patient characteristics like age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were recorded. The perioperative parameters like tourniquet time, the estimated blood loss, hemoglobin loss, blood transfusions, and the number of units transfused were recorded and compared between the groups. Results There was no significant difference in age, BMI, ASA grade, or CCI between the two groups. The tourniquet time was 83.7 ± 9.6 in the navigation and 73.9 ± 10.3 in the conventional group. The estimated Hb loss was lower at 2.5 ± 1.6 in the HHNS group compared to 3.0 ± 1.8 in the conventional group (p<0.001). Similarly, estimated blood loss was also lower at 830 ± 285ml for the HHNS group compared to 1088 ± 228 in the conventional group. Two patients in the navigation group had a total of four units transfused, whereas three patients in the conventional group had five units of blood transfusion. Conclusions The primary hypothesis that HHNS reduced perioperative blood loss was confirmed by the results of our study. We demonstrated that HHNS instrumentation significantly decreased the estimated blood loss, drain volume, and hemoglobin loss compared to conventional instrumentation with similar operating times. Though blood transfusions were seen in fewer patients, there was no significant reduction in blood transfusions by HHNS instrumentation.

Bone Ninja application is reliable alternative to PACS in measuring preoperative and postoperative alignment parameters of total knee arthroplasty.

Background: A picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a means wherein the images are acquired, displayed, transmitted, and stored digitally. Bone Ninja is an application on iPad (Apple Inc.) on the IOS platform, developed as a teaching tool for deformity corrections around the knee. The principal objective of this study is to determine the reliability and consistency of Bone Ninja application in measuring the preoperative and postoperative alignment in patients undergoing a total knee arthroplasty and compare it with the PACS. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was done using preoperative and postoperative leg-length radiographs of 50 consecutive patients (50 knees) who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Using Bone Ninja application and PACS, preoperative Lateral Distal Femoral Angle (LDFA), Tibiofemoral Angle (TFA), Medial Proximal Tibial Angle (MPTA) and postoperative Tibial alignment angle (TAA), Tibiofemoral angle (TFA), Femoral alignment angle (FAA) were measured independently by three doctors (two orthopedists and one radiologist). The measurements were repeated after an interval to determine intra and interobserver reliability. Results: Both preoperative (TFA, LDFA, MPTA) and postoperative measurements (TFA, TAA, FAA) showed highly correlated intraobserver and interobserver correlation coefficients. Cohen kappa values for all the measurements were greater than 0.80 but the values were higher for PACS compared to Bone Ninja application. Conclusions: PACS remains the gold standard, but bone ninja application is a reliable alternative for preoperative and postoperative alignment measures in total knee arthroplasty where PACS is not available.

Prospective comparative analysis of efficacy of local debridement with or without vancomycin impregnated calcium sulphate in chronic osteomyelitis.

The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of use of Vancomycin impregnated bioabsorbable calcium sulphate (VCS) pellets along with surgical debridement to control group without the use of calcium sulphate for chronic osteomyelitis. The secondary objective was comparing the results in different subtypes of chronic osteomyelitis. Methods: 50 consecutive patients were enrolled in VCS group and control group based on used whether VCS was used in treatment in addition to surgical debridement or not. Patients were classified using Cerny Mader Classification and were serially followed up to compare efficacy of eradication of infection and complications between the groups. Results: Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months postoperatively (range, 24-63 months; mean 32.2 ± 4.2months). 88% (44/50) of patients in VCS group achieved eradication of infection when compared to 64% (32/50) in control group at 2-year follow-up period (p < 0.001). Three out of six patient with recurrence in VCS group and 11 out 18 patients in control group achieved eradication after second stage surgery using same protocol using VCS. Among 10 with persistent infection, 5 among these were those with diffuse osteomyelitis and 5 were those with medullary osteomyelitis. In VCS group, 18/50 patients had persistent serous drainage from the wound for up to 4 weeks which was self-limiting. Conclusion: Local debridement combined with antibiotic impregnated calcium sulphate as a single-stage treatment is effective in treating chronic localized osteomyelitis when compared to debridement alone. However, its use alone in diffuse osteomyelitis may be less effective.

COVID-19 Infection Increases Mortality and Complications in Patients With Neck of Femur Fracture.

Hip fractures commonly occur in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) when healing from hip fractures places the patients at a higher risk of respiratory compromise and death. This study aimed to compare the 30- and 90-day mortality rates of patients with hip fracture with and without COVID-19. The secondary aim was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the parameters of morbidity such as health complications and length of hospital stay. All patients with hip fractures who presented to our hospital between March and December 2020 were classified into one of two subgroups: those with a clinical and/or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 and those without. Patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, complications, length of stay, and 30- and 90-day mortality rates were measured in patients with hip fractures with and without a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. We found that COVID-19 infection independently increased the 30- and 90-day mortality rates, respiratory complications, and length of hospital stay in patients with hip fractures. This is the first study to report the 90-day mortality of COVID-19 infection in such patients.

Comparative Analysis of Radiological Evaluation and Early Functional Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty Using an Accelerometer-Based Handheld Navigation System and Conventional Instrumentation: A Prospective Study.

Background An accelerometer-based handheld navigation system (HHNS) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) does not require a large console needed for computer-assisted navigation systems and has been shown to decrease component malalignment in TKA. The study aimed to use HHNS with conventional instrumentation to compare the radiological evaluation and functional outcomes of TKA. Materials and methods This was a multi-surgeon, prospective, assessor-blinded comparative study of 122 patients undergoing unilateral TKA. We used a stratified randomized sampling method to select 35/48 patients undergoing TKA using a handheld navigation system and 35/74 patients undergoing TKA using conventional instrumentation and divided them into two groups: the HHNS group and (conventional) CONV group. Postoperative radiographic evaluation was based on the tibial and femoral alignment angle, posterior tibial slope, and tibiofemoral angle measured from full-length lower-limb anteroposterior and lateral views of the knee. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Knee Society Score (KSS) with a two-year serial follow-up were used to evaluate functional outcomes. Results The mean tibial alignment angle and posterior tibial slope were 0.78° ± 1.27° and 4.38° ± 0.86°, respectively, in the HHNS cohort and 2.63° ± 1.54° and 2.12° ± 1.82°, respectively, in the CONV group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the femoral alignment angles. The overall alignment using the mean tibiofemoral angle was 179.21° ± 1.82° in the HHNS group and 177.31° ± 2.18° in the CONV group (p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the KSS and OKS at the two-year follow-up between the groups. Conclusions The use of HHNS in TKA significantly increased accuracy in limb and implant alignment, but there was no significant difference in the two-years functional outcomes.

Does Hamstring Graft Size Affect Functional Outcome and Incidence of Revision Surgery After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction?

Purpose The primary outcome measure of this study was to determine the effect of hamstring graft size on the functional outcome of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) and the secondary outcome was to ascertain the effect on revision surgery at the two-year follow-up. Methods This is a prospective comparative study of 144 consecutive patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using a hamstring autograft. All patients underwent graft harvesting and ACL reconstruction with the standard technique. The graft diameter was recorded intraoperatively using a graft sizer. All patients were followed up with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) recorded at preop, six weeks, six months, one year, and two years and whether they underwent revision during this period was documented. Results The mean KOOS for patients with a ≤ 7mm graft diameter was 80.5±13.1, which was significantly lower compared to those with graft > 7 mm of 88.3±8.5, respectively (p<0.001) at the two years follow-up. Patients with graft ≤ 7mm did poorly, especially with mean KOOS subscores of sports and recreation and quality of life (p<0.05). Twenty-three point one percent (23.1%; 3 out 13) of patients with a graft < 7mm underwent revision, whereas only 5.8% and 2.6% of patients underwent revision with a graft diameter of 7.1-8.0 and 8.1-9.0 (p=0.027). Conclusions The smaller Hamstring graft diameter leads to poorer functional outcomes of the patient's ACL reconstruction. Though the number of revisions was high among those with a graft diameter of ≤ 7mm, multicentric studies with many revisions are required to confirm the relation.

The relationship of anterior cruciate ligament injuries with MRI based calculation of femoral notch width, notch width index, notch shape - A randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: ACL injuries are infamously known for disability in young adults and require surgical reconstruction. The need of time is to predict predisposing factors and prevent ACL injuries.The incidence of ACL injuries has been associated with various factors related to the morphology of distal femur and proximal tibia.Hence, purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of morphology of distal femur by assessing Notch Width(NW), Notch Width Index (NWI), and Notch shape calculated preoperatively on MRI in association with an ACL tear. METHODS: The following randomized control study had 60 patients enrolled with non contact injury to knee who were equally divided into 2 groups i.e. ACL injury group and control group. ACL group had patients who had MRI proven ACL tear along with clinical findings suggestive of ACL tear whereas control contained patients with intact ACL. Demographic data was collected and NW, NWI and Notch shape were determined on coronal sections of MRI sequences. RESULTS: Positive correlation of ACL tear was seen with NW, BCW, NWI, NWP, and NWJ. Smaller Notch Width showed higher incidence of ACL tear (p = 0.019). The mean NWI in the injured and control knee is 0.31 ± 0.01 and 0.27 ± 0.01 respectively and was statistically significant(p < 0.001). A shaped Notch (60%) was commonly seen in ACL tear group and U shaped notch (73.3%) was commonly seen in control group.We found the cut off value for the prediction of ACL tear of NWI was 0.29 with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 86.7%. CONCLUSION: ACL injuries in the given population have shown higher incidence with narrow femoral intercondylar notch, smaller notch width index, 'A' shaped femoral notch. If any of the above findings are present in the MRI, its important to counsel the subjects about the increased risk of ACL injuries in them and take preventive measures.