The effect of iron supplementation on the level of haemoglobin after lower limb arthroplasty.

We randomised 120 patients who were undergoing either primary total hip or knee arthroplasty to receive either ferrous sulphate or a placebo for three weeks after surgery. The level of haemoglobin and absolute reticulocyte count were measured at one and five days, and three and six weeks after operation. Ninety-nine patients (ferrous sulphate 50, placebo 49) completed the study. The two groups differed only in the treatment administered. Recovery of level of haemoglobin was similar at five days and three weeks and returned to 85% of the pre-operative level, irrespective of the treatment group. A small, albeit greater recovery in the level of haemoglobin was identified at six weeks in the ferrous sulphate group in both men (ferrous sulphate 5%, placebo 1.5%) and women (ferrous sulphate 6%, placebo 3%). The clinical significance of this is questionable and may be outweighed by the high incidence of reported side effects of oral iron and the cost of the medication. Administration of iron supplements after elective total hip or total knee arthroplasty does not appear to be worthwhile.

Primary hip replacement in young osteoarthritic patients current practices in one UK region.

Approximately 10% of primary hip replacements performed each year for osteoarthritis are in patients aged 55 or younger. These patients have a longer life expectancy and a higher activity level than an older cohort, which may translate to higher revision rates. We utilized a regional hip register (Trent and Welsh Arthroplasty Audit Group (TWAAG)) to review current surgical practice in this age group. From 01/01/2000 31/12/2002, we were notified of 7,678 primary THRs for osteoarthritis. Of these 911 (11.7%) were performed on patients aged 55 or less. Age, gender, grade of lead operating surgeon, type of femoral and acetabular prostheses implanted, fixation method, femoral head size and bearing surfaces were recorded. There were 434 males and 477 females, with an age range of 16-55. Thirty-five femoral and 33 acetabular components were identified: 61.7% of femoral prostheses were cemented; 67.4 % of acetabular prostheses were uncemented. Fifty per cent of implants had a metal/UHMWPE bearing. Other bearing surfaces comprised ceramic/UHMWPE 28.7%, metal/metal resurfacing 13.8% and ceramic/ceramic 7.5%. Consultants performed 84.5% of procedures. The study indicates that there does not appear to be a clear consensus as to component choice or optimum fixation method in the younger patient. (Hip International 2005; 15: 159-65) KEY WORDS: Hip replacement, Arthroplasty, Young patient, Osteoarthritis.

Fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis: A complication of vancomycin treatment for an infected hip arthroplasty.

The incidence of MRSA or MRSE type infections involving hip prostheses is increasing. Treatment often involves removal of the prosthesis followed by a defined period of antibiotic treatment, prior to insertion of a second prosthesis. Vancomycin is often used in this setting. We report a fatal case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in a patient receiving vancomycin following a first stage revision hip replacement. With the increasing use of vancomycin in revision arthroplasty cases, knowledge of this rare but commonly fatal side effect is important so that if it occurs, rapid and appropriate treatment may be commenced. (Hip International 2004; 14: 58-61).