Effect of calf-thigh intermittent pneumatic compression device after total hip arthroplasty: comparative analysis with plantar compression on the effectiveness of reducing thrombogenesis and leg swelling.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two intermittent pneumatic compression devices as prophylaxis against intravascular coagulation and leg swelling following total hip arthroplasty. We studied 121 patients by assessing thrombogenesis using the D-dimer level before and after total hip arthroplasty. In addition, the patients' postoperative swelling was evaluated by measuring the thigh and lower leg circumference. Altogether, 58 patients were assigned to the calf-thigh pneumatic compression group, and the other 63 were assigned to the plantar compression group; the two pneumatic compression devices were compared to evaluate which was more effective for reducing thrombogenesis. At 7 days postoperatively, the mean D-dimer levels of the calf-thigh compression group and the plantar compression group were 8.86 and 9.26 microg/ml, respectively. There was no significant difference ( P = 0.697) between the two groups. However, the increased ratio of the circumference of the thigh, which was compared after arthroplasty, averaged 1.22% in the calf-thigh compression group and 3.19% in the plantar compression group, which was significantly different ( P << 0.01). Calf-thigh pneumatic compression was found to be more effective than plantar compression for reducing thigh swelling during the early postoperative stage.

The effect of posterolateral reconstruction on range of motion and muscle strength in total hip arthroplasty.

Posterolateral reconstruction of the posterior capsule, piriformis tendon, and external rotators in total hip arthroplasty improves the stability of the hip joint. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of this reconstruction on range of motion (ROM) and circumferential muscle strength. We selected 58 limbs of 29 patients. Posterolateral reconstruction was performed in 13 patients (reconstruction group). Posterolateral reconstruction was not performed in 16 patients (nonreconstruction group). No significant differences were seen in preoperative and postoperative ROM between the 2 groups. The reconstruction group had significantly higher abduction muscle strength (P<.0001) and external rotation muscle strength (P<.01) than the nonreconstruction group. Posterolateral reconstruction may be effective in promoting the recovery of abduction and external rotator muscle strength, and it can improve joint stability without limiting ROM.

Vascular anatomy for rotational acetabular osteotomy: cadaveric study.

Rotational acetabular osteotomies are performed to correct dysplastic hips in young adults. However, there is a potential risk of intrapelvic vascular injury. To define the relation of these vascular structures to the bone around the acetabulum, we measured the distance and direction from the anteroinferior iliac spine to the external iliac artery and from the base of the superior pubic ramus to the obturator artery in 34 cadaveric hemipelves (17 male, 17 female; 19 left, 15 right). The distance to the external iliac artery was significantly shorter in females (average 31.7 mm) than in males (average 38.2 mm); and the distance to the intrapelvic entry portal of the obturator canal, through which the obturator artery passes, was significantly shorter in females (average 27.2 mm) than in males (average 33.4 mm). In addition, the external iliac artery was located significantly more ventral and closer to the anteroinferior iliac spine in right hemipelves than in left hemipelves. The intrapelvic entry portal of the obturator canal was located more caudodorsal to the base of the superior pubic ramus in females than in males. Care should thus be taken during surgery in light of our findings.

Relationship between radiographic measurements of reconstructed hip joint position and the Trendelenburg sign.

We evaluated 60 limbs, including 34 primary total hip arthroplasties in 30 patients (mean age, 56 years) at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Femoral offset ratio (%FO) was calculated by dividing the femoral offset by the distance between the centers of the bilateral femoral heads on radiographs. The tilt angle of the pelvis by the Trendelenburg test was measured using the magnetic sensor system. In the limbs having a negative Trendelenburg sign after reconstruction, the %FO averaged 20.1% (range, 14.7% to 24.7%), and the tilt angle of the pelvis averaged +0.8 degrees (range, -1.0 degrees to +5.0 degrees ). The tilt angle of the pelvis correlated positively with %FO (P=.0160, r=0.407). The reconstructed hip joint position is crucial to improve hip abductor function.