Status and future of modern technologies in arthroplasty : Results of a survey of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU).

BACKGROUND: The orthopedic community is divided on the question of whether modern technologies in arthroplasty improve outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this initiative of the working group on intraoperative imaging and technology integration (Arbeitsgemeinschaft intraoperative Bildgebung und Technologieintegration, AGiTEC) is to initiate the collection of additional data for the scientific evaluation of modern technologies. QUESTION: To what extent are modern technologies currently used and which implementations are planned? Do the members of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) consider the acquisition of additional data for scientific assessment necessary? METHODS: Members of the DGOU were asked via an e­mail survey about the distribution and projected introduction of modern technologies in arthroplasty. They were also asked whether sufficient data were collected for scientific evaluation and whether acquisition of additional data in studies or arthroplasty registries were considered necessary. RESULTS: Of the 7923 probands surveyed, 428 completed the questionnaire in full (5.4%). It was found that individual implants and navigation are currently the most frequently used (31% and 29%, respectively). The largest increases in the next 2 years are projected for virtual reality and robotics (+30% and +23%, respectively), 85% of respondents indicated that insufficient data were collected for scientific evaluation, and 89% each requested initiation of multicenter studies and inclusion of technologies in the arthroplasty registry. CONCLUSION: The results of this study should motivate the scientific community, industry, and those responsible for the arthroplasty registries to collect and analyze data for the scientific assessment of modern technologies.

[Core decompression ("conventional method") in atraumatic osteonecrosis of the hip]. / Die "klassische" Entlastungsbohrung bei atraumatischer Hüftkopfnekrose.

OBJECTIVE: Retrograde drilling of a necrotic zone within the femoral head to reduce intraosseous pressure and stimulate revascularization. INDICATIONS: Atraumatic osteonecrosis of the hip ARCO stage I (reversible) and ARCO stage II (potentially reversible) with a medial or central necrotic zone <30% or ARCO stage III with a subchondral fracture for reduction of pain. CONTRAINDICATIONS: ARCO stage III C, ARCO stage IV (secondary osteoarthritis), stage-independent necrotic zone > 30%, infections. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine position. Visualization of the necrotic zone via an image intensifier, approach is determined by using a Kirschner wire, laterodorsal skin incision on a level with the wire, longitudinal incision of iliotibial band and vastus lateralis muscle, drilling the necrotic zone with a 2-3 mm Kirschner wire, optionally placing more wires or a hollow drill, wound closure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Partial weightbearing with 20 kg for 6 weeks due to risk of fracture, followed by avoidance of jumping or sprinting for another 6 weeks; physiotherapy from day 1 after surgery, thromboembolic prophylaxis until full weightbearing is possible. RESULTS: Results are dependent on ARCO stages and are promising in early stages.

[Hip arthroplasty after pelvic and femoral osteotomies]. / Hüftendoprothetik nach Osteotomien des Beckens und des proximalen Femurs.

Pelvic and femoral osteotomies can be a challenge even for experienced orthopedic surgeons. Residual metal may complicate the insertion of the endoprosthesis in some cases. Sometimes, the anatomical modification of the previous osteotomy complicates the total hip replacement. This may require the use of an acetabular revision system for the primary implantation. Femoral deformities can require additional osteotomies of the femur during the implantation. In every case, accurate preoperative planning should be performed. A preoperative CT with 3D reconstruction is a powerful tool for further information beyond conventional imaging.

[Perthes disease-diagnosis, classification and treatment based on Aachen-Dortmund treatment algorithm]. / M. Perthes ­ Diagnostik, Klassifikation und Therapie anhand des Aachen-Dortmunder Therapiealgorithmus.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a multifactorial idiopathic necrosis of the hip that typically occurs in childhood between the ages of 3 and 12. Treatment adapted to the stadium of the disease and to the clinical findings is medical art. The treatment is focused on the preservation or recovery of the arthrogenic containment of the femoral head. Multiple treatment options are available. The indications for treatment can be derived from clinical and radiological pathology. Structuring of the therapy options is the aim of this publication. For this purpose, a clear and concise overview of relevant clinical findings and useful radiographic classifications as well as reasonable therapy is presented.

[Joint-preserving operative treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head]. / Operative gelenkerhaltende Therapie der Hüftkopfnekrose.

The cause of avascular necrosis of the femoral head is multifactorial. Conservative treatment is only an option in the early stages. It is only symptomatic and not causative treatment. The implantation of an artificial hip joint should be postponed as the typically affected middle-aged males are right in the middle of their working life. Therefore, some joint-preserving operative therapies might be considered in stages ARCO I-III. Those range from core decompression to osteotomies and grafts, the advantages and disadvantages of which have to be weighted in each case. More recent therapies such as additive stem cells or platelet rich plasma (PRP) combined with core decompression have yet to prove their efficacy.

[Correction of flexible lesser toe deformity : Transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon]. / Behandlung flexibler Kleinzehenfehlstellungen : Transfer der Flexor-digitorum-longus-Sehne.

OBJECTIVE: Realignment and pain relief of toes 2-5 by flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) muscle. INDICATIONS: As an isolated procedure in flexible proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion and/or flexible metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint extension (hammer toe). In combination with a metatarsal osteotomy or PIP joint arthrodesis in case of flexible MTP joint extension. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General medical contraindications to surgical interventions. Stiffness of the PIP or MTP joint. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Plantar stab incision in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) flexion crease and tenotomy of the FDL tendon. More proximally transverse incision on the plantar aspect of the proximal phalanx and isolation of the FDL tendon. The tendon is split longitudinally along the raphe and the two limbs are transferred from plantar to the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx adjacent to the bone. The crossed limbs are sutured to each other under appropriate tension and corrected position of the toe. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative dressings for 3 weeks in corrected position. Subsequently tape dressing in plantar position for 6-12 weeks. Full weight bearing. RESULTS: A total of 24 toes with flexible PIP and/or MTP joint deformity were treated with a FDL tendon transfer. In 14 toes an isolated procedure was performed, in 10 cases an additional metatarsal osteotomy. Patients with operative treatment of the first ray, revision or reoperation were excluded. Mean follow-up was 8.4 (4-14) months. After 6 weeks 22 toes (92%) showed physiological alignment of the PIP and MTP joint. At the last follow-up, 4 (16%) toes had recurrent or persistent extension deformity of the MTP joint. There were no infections, overcorrections, impaired wound healing or transversal malalignment.

[Tönnis and Kalchschmidt triple pelvic osteotomy]. / Die 3­fache Beckenosteotomie nach Tönnis u. Kalchschmidt.

BACKGROUND: The Tönnis and Kalchschmidt triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) has been performed at the Klinikum Dortmund for more than 30 years. In more than 5000 cases the TPO has proven its potential to deal with even severe dysplastic hips. TPO can be easily combined with other hip procedures as intertrochanteric osteotomies and even impingement treatment can easily be done. As an elaborate technique TPO respects the growth plates and can therefore also be used for treating Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. PROCEDURE: In most cases only conventional X­rays are needed for proving the indication. Further imaging like MRI or CT-scans are only needed in certain cases. In addition EOS® is becoming an increasingly useful tool in planning and performing the surgery. For adequate movement of the acetabulum, three clearly defined osteotomies are needed. Current osteosynthesis methods provide an enhanced stability due to a novel technique of screw fixation. This is in line with the general trends towards short hospitalization and early mobilization. THERAPY: A successful treatment requires not only experience in performing the surgical technique, but furthermore an experienced team, including care, physical examination and also pain management. The surgeon should be aware that he is performing highly elective surgery and complications or a poor outcome can significantly reduce the quality of life of the mainly young patients.

[Hip arthroplasty after corrective osteotomies : Pelvis and proximal femur]. / Hüftendoprothetik nach korrigierenden Osteotomien : Becken und proximales Femur.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic and femoral osteotomies are frequently performed in patients with hip dysplasia. The aim of these surgeries are optimal biomechanical conditions of the hip joint thereby avoiding the occurrence of hip osteoarthritis or the delay of initial hip osteoarthritis progression. THERAPY: Nevertheless even with good biomechanical conditions of the hip joint, progression of hip osteoarthritis can be recognized postoperatively. A total hip arthroplasty is indicated even more after a time period with conservative treatment. In preparation for the operation, a detailed documentation of the initial clinical situation, appropriate imaging, implant selection and preoperative planning are mandatory. In addition, a biomechanical model representing the desired pre- and postoperative situation can be included in the preoperative planning. According to the previous osteotomy, the size and shape of the acetabulum after the osteotomy and the current pivot centre of the hip joint should be considered. Depending on these observations the acetabular cup can be directly inserted into the bone stock of the acetabulum or an acetabular plasty is necessary before implantation of the acetabular cup. With respect to the previous osteotomy of the femur, it needs to be clarified wether hardware removal will be necessary before total hip replacement; moreover, the anatomy of the proximal femur is critical. In addition, if necessary, a re-osteotomy of the femur is required to enable a hip stem implantation. CONCLUSION: Cementless total hip replacement should be preferred due to the younger patient age. The load of the hip replacement depends on the osseous anchoring and primary stability of the acetabular and femoral component.

[Intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy : Indications, surgical technique, results]. / Die intertrochantäre Femurosteotomie : Indikationen, Operationstechnik, Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Intertrochanteric osteotomies are part of joint-preserving hip surgery. Indications involve not only the mature but also the growing skeleton. After identification of the causative pathologies multidimensional corrections with the aim of a better joint situation and prevention of early osteoarthritis are possible. METHODS: The surgical technique of intertrochanteric osteotomies is presented. Potential indications are discussed on the basis of results in the literature. RESULTS: In the surgical treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip intertrochanteric osteotomies are used as additional surgery. In Perthes disease the containment is improved while the onset of osteoarthritis in epiphysis capitis femoris can be decelerated. Treatment of torsion pathologies is reliable. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head and beginning osteoarthritis are critical indications. CONCLUSION: For appropriate indications intertrochanteric osteotomies are a valuable element in joint-preserving surgery with very good long-term results.

[Anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty : Causes, diagnosis and treatment]. / Vorderer Knieschmerz nach Knie­TEP-Implantation : Ursachen, Diagnostik und Therapie.

BACKGROUND: Anterior knee pain is one of the most common complications after total knee arthroplasty. An incidence of up to 30 % has been reported in peer-reviewed studies. TARGET: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature and to identify determinants that have been analyzed with regard to anterior knee pain. CAUSES: Patient- and knee-specific characteristics, prosthetic designs and operative techniques are addressed as well as functional and neurologic determinants. Instability, increased contact pressure in the patellofemoral joint and patella maltracking due to malrotation of components, offset errors, ligament insufficiencies or patella baja are mechanical reasons for anterior knee pain. Functional causes include pathologic gait patterns, quadriceps imbalance and dynamic valgus. They have to be differentiated from infectious and inflammatory causes as well as soft tissue impingement, arthrofibrosis and neurologic diseases. TREATMENT: A differentiated treatment algorithm is recommended. Often conservative treatment options exist, however, particularly with most mechanical causes revision surgery is necessary.

[Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation and Fast-track Rehabilitation after Knee Replacement: Faster, Better, Cheaper? A Survey and Systematic Review of Literature]. / Multidisziplinäre Rehabilitation und multimodale Fast-Track-Rehabilitation in der Knieendoprothetik: Schneller, besser, günstiger? Eine Umfrage und systematische Literaturrecherche.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of multidisciplinary rehabilitation after total knee replacement (TKA) is to reduce postoperative complications and costs and enable faster convalescence. The goals of fast-track rehabilitation, as a multidisciplinary concept, are to reduce the length of hospital stay and achieve early functional improvements by optimizing the perioperative setting. METHOD: A literature review was carried out for the years 1960-2013. The search terms were: "rehabilitation", "training", "physiotherapy", "physical therapy", "recovery", "exercise program", "knee surgery", "TKA", "total knee replacement", "arthroplasty", "intensive", "multidisciplinary", "accelerated", "rapid" or "fast track". Only randomized controlled trials and metaanalyses were included. A survey was also performed to assess care as actually offered in orthopaedic rehabilitation clinics in North Rhine-Westphalia. RESULTS: A total of 729 articles were identified of which 11 studies were included. Fast-track rehabilitation can significantly reduce both the duration of hospital stay and costs after TKA. Current studies showed that a better short-/middle-term clinical outcome might be achieved with multidisciplinary rehabilitation. However, a difference in the long-term outcome could not be observed. Our survey shows that most patients are admitted to a rehabilitation clinic in a state of poor general condition as well as decreased mobility and knee range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Fast-track rehabilitation facilitates a shortened hospital stay as well as cost saving. It probably can be used to optimize the condition of the patient before admission to a rehabilitation facility.

[Pathophysiology of traumatic bone marrow edema]. / Pathophysiologie des traumatischen Knochenmarködems.

BACKGROUND: Morphologically, bone marrow edema (BME) is an accumulation of fluid in the bone marrow. The BME is per se non-specific but can be identified at an early stage with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The underlying pathomechanism remains unclear. The BME can occur as an individual entity and as an accompanying condition of many diseases. The BME can be divided into three groups, ischemic, reactive and mechanical BME. Mechanical BME occurs after trauma or repetitive strain. Typical histological changes are present and there is no clear boundary between edema and microfracture. Some forms of trauma show BME in typical localizations. Both the trauma and the possible accompanying injuries can be indirectly indicated in this way in cases with an unknown trauma mechanism. CONCLUSION: The BME can be present as an isolated entity or as a comorbidity. For initiation of therapy, a comprehensive medical history and targeted diagnostics are indispensable. In some cases BME is indicative of the trauma mechanism and possible further accompanying injuries.

[Current treatment strategies for spondylodiscitis in surgical clinics in Germany]. / Aktuelle Behandlungsstrategien der Spondylodiszitis in deutschen Akutkliniken.

BACKGROUND: Spondylodiscitis is a rare disease which is associated with high mortality. No guidelines for treatment exist and the available studies are not homogeneous. Attempts have been made in recent years to structure therapy using algorithms. Early recognition of the disease is above all important for its later outcome. Therapy takes place in not only orthopaedic/trauma surgery clinics but also in neurosurgical clinics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We sent an online survey on this subject to orthopaedic clinics, trauma surgery and neurosurgery clinics in Germany. The aim was to ascertain current care strategies in Germany. A further objective was to elicit differences between the specialist fields. RESULTS: A total of 164 clinics responded to the survey. The response rate was 16% of the orthopaedic/trauma surgery clinics and 32% of the neurosurgical clinics. Differences between the two specialist fields can be found particularly in the use of systemic and local antibiotics, in the choice of surgical access to the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine and in post-operative imaging. In both specialist fields, patients with neurological dysfunctions are treated primarily in clinics with high case numbers. In terms of surgery, 2/3 of the responding clinics choose a one-stage operative treatment. Minimally invasive procedures and the use of cages are widespread. The participants estimate that, on the whole, a better outcome and higher patient satisfaction tend to exist after operative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of homogeneity regarding treatment strategies which is indicated here clearly shows the need for therapy guidelines as an aid to orientation. This will be a challenge for the future due to the low incidence and the situation regarding currently available studies.

Total hip arthroplasty through the mini-incision (Micro-hip) approach versus the standard transgluteal (Bauer) approach: a prospective, randomised study.

PURPOSE: To compare outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA) through the mini-incision approach versus the standard transgluteal approach. METHODS: 80 women and 63 men aged 33 to 89 (mean, 62) years with primary osteoarthritis of the hip were randomised to undergo unilateral THA through a mini-incision approach (Micro-hip, n=55) or standard, lateral, transgluteal approach (Bauer, n=88). Levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein, length of hospital stay, mobilisation, and any complication were recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain was assessed. Hip function was assessed using the Harris Hip Score and the Oxford Hip Score, whereas general health was assessed using the EQ-5D general health questionnaire. The cup inclination and varus/valgus of the stem position were measured using a goniometer. RESULTS: The Micro-hip group achieved a significantly lower mean incision length (9.3 vs. 13.4 cm, p<0.001), mean surgical time (60 vs. 68 minutes, p=0.021), mean reduction in haemoglobin level (2.1 vs. 2.8 g/dl, p<0.001), and mean VAS for pain from hour 6 to day 6 (all p<0.05). One patient in the Micro-hip group developed early aseptic loosening of the cup and underwent revision surgery at month 4. Three patients in the Bauer group and one patient in the Micro-hip group sustained intra-operative nondisplaced fractures of the proximal femur, which were fixed with cerclages. Two patients in the Microhip group developed deep vein thrombosis during week 1. CONCLUSION: THA through the Micro-hip approach achieved faster pain relief.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic management of primary and recurrent patellar dislocations - analysis of a nationwide survey and the current literature]. / Aktuelle diagnostische und therapeutische Vorgehensweise bei der primären und rezidivierenden Patellaluxation - Analyse einer bundesweiten Umfrage und der aktuellen Literatur.

AIM: Patellar dislocations are a common injury of the knee joint. During patella dislocations injuries of soft-tissue structures can occur that can destabilise the patella and lead to recurrent dislocations. There are also congenital pathologies that predispose to patella dislocations. In the current literature, diagnostics and treatment of patellar dislocations are frequently discussed. Therefore the aim of our survey was to analyse and summarise actual diagnostic and therapeutic strategies regarding primary and recurrent patella dislocations. METHODS: An online questionnaire form was sent to 735 orthopaedic and/or trauma departments in Germany. The departments were invited to participate in an anonymous survey concerning diagnostics and treatment of primary and recurrent patellar dislocations. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice questions and was divided into three sections. The first section included questions concerning the department structure. The second part contained questions regarding diagnostics and treatment of primary patella dislocations. The third part involved diagnostic and treatment strategies for recurrent patella dislocations. A systematic review of outcome after treatment of patellar dislocation was performed and discussed with the results of the survey. RESULTS: 245 hospitals (33.3 %) returned the questionnaire. Among the participants were 23 % orthopaedic surgery departments, 32 % trauma surgery departments and 45 % combined departments. 12 % were university hospitals and 53 % academic teaching hospitals. Clinical examination was performed by nearly all participants after primary and recurrent patella dislocations. MRI was used as diagnostic tool in 81 % after primary patella dislocation and in 85 % after recurrent patella dislocation. Conventional X-rays were performed in 58 % (primary) and 51 % (recurrent patella dislocations). Computed tomography scans for measurement of the tuberositas tibiae-trochlea groove distance were used in 35 % after recurrent dislocations and in 20 % after primary patella dislocations. 69 % of the participating departments performed non-operative therapies after primary patella dislocations, especially when no associated injuries and no congenital pathologies were observed. Reconstruction of the medial retinaculum was the most frequent surgical therapy (52 %) followed by the reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (36 %) after primary patella dislocation. Following recurrent patella dislocations reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (58.5 %) was the most performed surgery and a tuberositas transfer was done in 58 % of participating departments after recurrent patella dislocation. CONCLUSION: The results of our survey showed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the participating departments which are in accordance with recommendations in recent publications. The clinical importance of the MPFL reconstruction was observed for primary and recurrent patella dislocation. In addition, conservative treatment is still the most common treatment after primary dislocation of the patella.

[Re-evaluation of the AOK hospital navigator with a focus on total knee replacement]. / Re-Evaluation des Krankenhausnavigators der AOK für das "QSR-Verfahren" unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Themenschwerpunkts Knieendoprothetik.

BACKGROUND: One of the biggest health insurance companies in Germany (AOK, Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse) has published new results focussing on process quality of total knee replacement in 2010. These results were published in the online portal "Weiße Liste", which is based on health insurance routine data. The German Association of Orthopeadic Surgery questions the credibility of the rating system of the "Weiße Liste". To prove the system an interdisciplinary task force was created. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The task force identified patient-specific parameters, which influence the outcome of total knee replacement based on the literature and expert opinions. Out of 907 orthopaedic departments, 4 above average and four below average were identified. The AOK was asked to provide 80 data sets for each department. These anonymised data sets could be converted into patient-specific data sets in the identified departments. Statistical analysis was performed to answer the question of whether there are differences between the below and the above average groups. RESULTS: 625 cases could be investigated. We found an increased rate of postoperative complications in the below average group. There are differences between both groups in terms of factors influencing the procedure. In the below average group an increased rate of patients with one or more comorbidities and a preoperative extension lag of over 10° was found. The above average group has a higher rate of operations before the knee replacement. CONCLUSION: The results need to be proven on a larger scale. Further, prospective investigations are planned.

[Vertical talus: current diagnostic and therapy options]. / Talus verticalis: Aktuelle Diagnose- und Therapieoptionen.

Congenital vertical talus is a rare condition which presents as an isolated deformity or in association with neuromuscular and/or genetic disorders. Pathoanatomically the deformity shows a dislocated talonavicular and subtalar joint. The etiology and pathogenesis are still not finally determined although in some cases a genetic basis has been identified. The clinical picture is that of a flat, convex longitudinal arch with abduction and dorsiflexion of the forefoot and an elevated heel. Clinical diagnosis is confirmed by plain radiographic imaging. Congenital vertical talus should not be confused with other deformities of the foot, such as congenital oblique talus, flexible flat feet or pes calcaneus. The object of treatment of congenital vertical talus is to restore a normal anatomical relationship between the talus, navicular and calcaneus to obtain a pain-free foot. Major reconstructive surgery has been reported to be effective but is associated with substantial complications. Good early results of a modified non-operative treatment using serial manipulation, cast treatment and minimally invasive surgery may change therapeutic concepts.