Learning curve analysis of the Collum Femoris Preserving total hip surgical technique.

The aim of this study was to determine whether femoral neck preserving total hip arthroplasty would become less difficult and more efficient during the first 20 cases and to identify potential pitfalls during the introduction of this procedure. The difficulty and efficiency of the initial 20 procedures performed by four surgeons was prospectively determined by analysing a total of 68 video recordings using time-action analysis. This method measures the duration and efficiency of individual actions needed for a surgeon to achieve his or her goal. Afterwards, we reviewed all actions with a long duration and discussed possible causes of delay with the surgeons to identify possible pitfalls. We found a decrease of difficulty and an increase of efficiency during the first 20 cases and a more consistent execution after the initial five cases. Estimating the correct osteotomy level and stem curvature was often difficult, which resulted in a variable stem position. Radiologic analysis demonstrated a tendency for varus position and increased leg length throughout the series, even after the surgeons demonstrated technical proficiency.

Time-action analysis (TAA) of the surgical technique implanting the collum femoris preserving (CFP) hip arthroplasty. TAASTIC trial identifying pitfalls during the learning curve of surgeons participating in a subsequent randomized controlled trial (an observational study).

BACKGROUND: Two types of methods are used to assess learning curves: outcome assessment and process assessment. Outcome measures are usually dichotomous rare events like complication rates and survival or require an extensive follow-up and are therefore often inadequate to monitor individual learning curves. Time-action analysis (TAA) is a tool to objectively determine the level of efficiency of individual steps of a surgical procedure. METHODS/DESIGN: We are currently using TAA to determine the number of cases needed for surgeons to reach proficiency with a new innovative hip implant prior to initiating a multicentre RCT. By analysing the unedited video recordings of the first 20 procedures of each surgeon the number and duration of the actions needed for a surgeon to achieve his goal and the efficiency of these actions is measured. We constructed a taxonomy or list of actions which together describe the complete surgical procedure. In the taxonomy we categorised the procedure in 5 different Goal Oriented Phases (GOP): 1. the incision phase. 2. the femoral phase. 3. the acetabulum phase. 4. the stem phase. 5. the closure pase. Each GOP was subdivided in Goal Oriented Actions (GOA) and each GOA is subdivided in Separate Actions (SA) thereby defining all the necessary actions to complete the procedure. We grouped the SAs into GOAs since it would not be feasible to measure each SA. Using the video recordings, the duration of each GOA was recorded as well as the amount of delay. Delay consists of repetitions, waiting and additional actions. The nett GOA time is the total GOA time - delay and is a representation of the level of difficulty of each procedure. Efficiency is the percentage of nett GOA time during each procedure. DISCUSSION: This allows the construction of individual learning curves, assessment of the final skill level for each surgeon and comparison of different surgeons prior to participation in an RCT. We believe an objective and comparable assessment of skill level by process assessment can improve the value of a surgical RCT in situations where a learning curve is expected.

Long-term results of a soft interface- (Proplast-) coated femoral stem.

BACKGROUND: Mid-term clinical results of uncemented femoral components with a Proplast coating have been unfavorable and the low modulus system was abandoned in the mid-1990s. There are, however, still substantial numbers of patients with a Proplast-coated prosthesis in situ. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results in patients with 8-13 year follow-up. METHODS: We evaluated the survival rate, Harris Hip score and radiographic features of 82 hips in 69 patients. Mean age at operation was 58 (35-72) years. RESULTS: With respect to the Harris Hip score (HHS), 21% of the hips were considered to be clinical failures (HHS < 70) at final follow-up, mainly because of excessive thigh pain. Osteolysis was observed in one or more Gruen zones in one-third of the hips. According to the criteria of Engh, 79/82 stems were unstable. 11 hips were eventually revised due to aseptic loosening. Survival of the femoral component of the original cohort at final follow-up was 84% (95% CI: 75-93) in a standard-case scenario. INTERPRETATION: Extensive signs of loosening were observed in almost all hips, while not all hips were considered to be clinical failures. Thus, all patients should be thoroughly screened for radiographic progressive osteolysis or the occurrence of thigh pain. Thigh pain or progressive osteolysis warrants revision of the Proplastcoated femoral stem.