[Registration of assessments in orthopaedic residents' portfolios is falling short]. / Praktijktoetsen van aiossen onvoldoende geregistreerd.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate of the number of registered competency assessments in the portfolios of orthopaedic residents in the Netherlands, for whom a competency-based training programme is mandatory. DESIGN: National cohort study. METHOD: We collected data regarding the registered assessments of all orthopaedic residents who finished their training between 2012-2015. We determined the number of registered assessments of 'standard orthopaedic treatments' (evaluating residents' competency in 70 different orthopaedic treatments), objective structured clinical skills evaluations (OSCEs), critically appraised topics (CATs), and 360 degree feedback appraisals. We compared the number of registered assessments in the portfolios with the minimum requirements laid down by the training curriculum. RESULTS: A total of 196 residents finished their training between 2012 and 2015. These residents finished their training with a mean (i.e., percentage of minimally required number of assessments) of 17.0 (34%) 'standard orthopaedic treatments' (level 4 or 5), 13.6 (34%) OSCEs, 2.6 (33%) CATs and 0.2 (4%) 360 degree feedback. CONCLUSION: On average, only one-third of the minimally required number of assessments were registered in the portfolios of orthopaedic residents (OSCEs and standard orthopaedic treatments level 4 or 5). These revelations show that action is needed to improve the way in which the progress of residents is monitored. These findings are going to have an effect on the new curriculum which must be more practical and less complex. Additionally, external quality control will focus more on residents at the end of their training and on the training region involved. This information may serve as a framework for postgraduate training programmes in other scientific associations which also find themselves in the same process of modernisation.

[How representative is the healthcare assessment website Zorgkaart Nederland? The evaluation of medical specialists by patients in the Netherlands]. / Hoe representatief is Zorgkaart Nederland? De waardering van specialisten door patiënten in beeld gebracht.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the number of ratings and the corresponding scores given to medical specialists on the Dutch healthcare assessment website 'Zorgkaart Nederland.nl', and evaluation of this website as tool for evaluation of quality. DESIGN: Explorative descriptive study. METHOD: In July 2015, data were gathered from the public section of the healthcare assessment website 'ZorgkaartNederland.nl'. The number of specialists, the mean ratings per department (group mark), the number of evaluations, the number of medical specialists without a rating and the number of specialists with at least 9 ratings were registered per speciality, per hospital. Outcomes measures were the median number of ratings per speciality and the group score. Data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: Each month, 763,000 unique visitors access ZorgkaartNederland.nl; on average, 0.08% of these registers a vote. There were 15,337 medical specialists, spread across 97 hospitals and 2,060 specialities on ZorgkaartNederland.nl, with a total of 45,548 evaluations. Of these, 6,682 (43.4%) specialists were not rated, and 1.165 (7.6%) had ≥ 9 ratings. Additionally, 327 (15.9%) departments were unrated. Surgical departments were evaluated more often, and their grades were significantly higher, than those of non-surgical departments. CONCLUSION: The website ZorgkaartNederland.nl shows ratings for 56.6% of all medical specialists. When the lower limit of at least 9 evaluations per specialist introduced by ZorgkaartNederland.nl was applied, only the grades for 7.6% of all specialists are valid. On average, 0.08% of unique visitors cast a vote. Surgical specialities have a higher number of evaluations and a higher score than non-surgical ones. ZorgkaartNederland.nl in its current form does not constitute a valid tool for evaluation of the quality of medical specialist care in the Netherlands. This article provides recommendations for improvement.

Pseudotumor formation and serum ions after large head metal-on-metal stemmed total hip replacement. Risk factors, time course and revisions in 706 hips.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence and natural course of pseudotumors in metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to identify the true incidence and risk factors of pseudotumor formation in large head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incidence, time course and risk factors for pseudotumor formation were analysed after large femoral head MoM-THA. We defined a pseudotumor as a (semi-)solid or cystic peri-prosthetic soft-tissue mass with a diameter ≥2 cm that could not be attributed to infection, malignancy, bursa or scar tissue. All patients treated in our clinic with MoM-THA's were contacted. CT scan, metal ions and X-rays were obtained. Symptoms were recorded. RESULTS: After median follow-up of 3 years, 706 hips were screened in 626 patients. There were 228 pseudotumors (32.3 %) in 219 patients (35.0 %). Pseudotumor formation significantly increased after prolonged follow-up. Seventy-six hips (10.8 %) were revised in 73 patients (11.7 %), independent risk factors were identified. Best cutoff point for cobalt and chromium was 4 µg/l (68 and 77 nmol/l). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms a high incidence of pseudotumors, dramatically increasing after prolonged follow-up. Risk factors for pseudotumors are of limited importance. Pain was the strongest predictor for pseudotumor presence; cobalt chromium and swelling were considered poor predictors. Cross-sectional imaging is the main screening tool during follow-up.

The relation between titanium taper corrosion and cobalt-chromium bearing wear in large-head metal-on-metal total hip prostheses: a retrieval study.

BACKGROUND: Revision of hip implants due to adverse tissue reactions to metal debris has been associated with wear and corrosion of the metal-on-metal bearing articulation and the modular taper interface. Bearing articulation wear is increased in conditions of poor lubrication, which can also lead to high friction moments that may cause corrosion at the taper interface. This suggests that wear of the bearing and increased corrosion of the taper interface should occur simultaneously, which was investigated in this study. METHODS: Forty-three large-diameter cobalt-chromium bearings of the same design, implanted with a titanium stem using a titanium adapter, were retrieved at revision at a single center. Retrievals were grouped according to visual inspection of the female taper surface of the adapter into slight and severe corrosion groups. Volume change of bearing and taper surfaces was assessed using a coordinate measurement machine. Serum ion concentrations were determined for forty-three patients, whereas tissue metal concentration was measured for twelve patients. RESULTS: Severe taper corrosion was observed in 30% of the retrievals. Corrosion was observed either as material deposition or wear. The overall bearing wear rate was significantly higher in the group with severe taper corrosion than in the group with slight corrosion (7.2 ± 9.0 mm(3)/yr versus 3.1 ± 6.8 mm(3)/yr, respectively; p = 0.023) as were the serum cobalt (40.5 ± 44.9 µg/L versus 15.2 ± 23.9 µg/L, respectively; p = 0.024) and chromium ion concentrations (32.7 ± 32.7 µg/L versus 12.0 ± 15.1 µg/L, respectively; p = 0.019). Serum metal ion concentrations were more consistent indicators of wear than tissue metal concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The increased bearing articulation wear and serum metal ion concentrations in cases with taper interface corrosion support the hypothesis that increased friction in the joint articulation is one of the factors responsible for simultaneous articulation and taper damage. However, independent taper or bearing damage was also observed, suggesting that other factors are involved in the process.

Burnout and quality of life among orthopaedic trainees in a modern educational programme: importance of the learning climate.

We aimed to determine quality of life and burnout among Dutch orthopaedic trainees following a modern orthopaedic curriculum, with strict compliance to a 48-hour working week. We also evaluated the effect of the clinical climate of learning on their emotional well-being. We assessed burnout, quality of life and the clinical climate of learning in 105 orthopaedic trainees using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, linear analogue scale self-assessments, and Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test (D-RECT), respectively. A total of 19 trainees (18%) had poor quality of life and 49 (47%) were dissatisfied with the balance between their personal and professional life. Some symptoms of burnout were found in 29 trainees (28%). Higher D-RECT scores (indicating a better climate of learning) were associated with a better quality of life (r = 0.31, p = 0.001), more work-life balance satisfaction (r = 0.31, p = 0.002), fewer symptoms of emotional exhaustion (r = -0.21, p = 0.028) and depersonalisation (r = -0,28, p = 0.04). A reduced quality of life with evidence of burnout were still seen in a significant proportion of orthopaedic trainees despite following a modern curriculum with strict compliance to a 48-hour working week. It is vital that further work is undertaken to improve the quality of life and reduce burnout in this cohort.

Venous thromboembolism during hip plaster cast immobilisation: review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data regarding the risk of deep vein thrombosis during hip plaster cast immobilisation. The purpose of this article was to review the available evidence regarding the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) during hip plaster cast immobilisation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All papers describing hip plaster cast immobilisation published in the English literature retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane database were reviewed. Articles regarding children, hip dysplasia, congenital hip dislocation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes were excluded. A total of three papers were available for analysis. We also describe a case of pulmonary embolism during hip cast immobilisation. RESULTS: The overall incidence of symptomatic VTE during hip plaster cast immobilisation was 0% in 343 patients. The incidence of symptomatic VTE in hip cast brace was 2.3% (range 0-3%). DISCUSSION: Our systematic review of the literature showed a paucity of data regarding the incidence of VTE during hip plaster cast immobilisation. We describe the first case of pulmonary embolism during hip plaster cast immobilisation. We recommend that patients who are fitted with a hip plaster cast should be routinely screened for additional risk factors. When risk factors are present, patients should be considered for pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.

Reduction of blood loss with the use of a new combined intra-operative and post-operative autologous blood transfusion system compared with no drainage in primary total hip replacement.

Autologous retransfusion and no-drainage are both blood-saving measures in total hip replacement (THR). A new combined intra- and post-operative autotransfusion filter system has been developed especially for primary THR, and we conducted a randomised controlled blinded study comparing this with no-drainage. A total of 204 THR patients were randomised to autologous blood transfusion (ABT) (n = 102) or no-drainage (n = 102). In the ABT group, a mean of 488 ml (sd 252) of blood was retransfused. The mean lowest post-operative haemoglobin level during the hospital stay was higher in the autotransfusion group (10.6 g/dl (7.8 to 13.9) vs 10.2 g/dl (7.5 to 13.3); p = 0.01). The mean haemoglobin levels for the ABT and no-drainage groups were not significantly different on the first day (11.3 g/dl (7.8 to 13.9) vs 11.0 g/dl (8.1 to 13.4); p = 0.07), the second day (11.1 g/dl (8.2 to 13.8) vs 10.8 g/dl (7.5 to 13.3); p = 0.09) or the third day (10.8 g/dl (8.0 to 13.0) vs 10.6 g/dl (7.5 to 14.1); p = 0.15). The mean total peri-operative net blood loss was 1464 ml (sd 505) in the ABT group and 1654 ml (sd 553) in the no-drainage group (p = 0.01). Homologous blood transfusions were needed in four patients (3.9%) in the ABT group and nine (8.8%) in the no-drainage group (p = 0.15). No statistically significant difference in adverse events was found between the groups. The use of a new intra- and post-operative autologous blood transfusion filter system results in less total blood loss and a smaller maximum decrease in haemoglobin levels than no-drainage following primary THR.

High incidence of pseudotumour formation after large-diameter metal-on-metal total hip replacement: a prospective cohort study.

Peri-articular soft-tissue masses or 'pseudotumours' can occur after large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) resurfacing of the hip and conventional total hip replacement (THR). Our aim was to assess the incidence of pseudotumour formation and to identify risk factors for their formation in a prospective cohort study. A total of 119 patients who underwent 120 MoM THRs with large-diameter femoral heads between January 2005 and November 2007 were included in the study. Outcome scores, serum metal ion levels, radiographs and CT scans were obtained. Patients with symptoms or an identified pseudotumour were offered MRI and an ultrasound-guided biopsy. There were 108 patients (109 hips) eligible for evaluation by CT scan at a mean follow-up of 3.6 years (2.5 to 4.5); 42 patients (39%) were diagnosed with a pseudotumour. The hips of 13 patients (12%) were revised to a polyethylene acetabular component with small-diameter metal head. Patients with elevated serum metal ion levels had a four times increased risk of developing a pseudotumour. This study shows a substantially higher incidence of pseudotumour formation and subsequent revisions in patients with MoM THRs than previously reported. Because most revision cases were identified only after an intensive screening protocol, we recommend close monitoring of patients with MoM THR.

In vitro study of the antimicrobial effects of radiological contrast agents used in arthrography.

Aspiration arthrography using an iodinated contrast medium is a useful tool for the investigation of septic or aseptic loosening of arthroplasties and of septic arthritis. Previously, the contrast media have been thought to cause false negative results in cultures when present in aspirated samples of synovial fluid, probably because free iodine is bactericidal, but reports have been inconclusive. We examined the influence of the older, high osmolar contrast agents and the low osmolar media used currently on the growth of ten different micro-organisms capable of causing deep infection around a prosthesis. Five media were tested, using a disc diffusion technique and a time-killing curve method in which high and low inocula of micro-organisms were incubated in undiluted media. The only bactericidal effects were found with low inocula of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ioxithalamate, one of the older ionic media. The low and iso-osmolar iodinated contrast media used currently do not impede culture. Future study must assess other causes of false negative cultures of synovial fluid and new developments in enhancing microbial recovery from aspirated samples.

Acetabular augmentation ring for recurrent dislocation of total hip arthroplasty: 60% stability rate after an average follow-up of 74 months.

Between 1988 and 2002, 47 patients (50 hips) were treated with acetabular shell augmentation arthroplasty for recurrent idiopathic dislocation of their total hip arthroplasty. Apparent causes for dislocation such as deep infection, component malposition, or polyethylene wear were excluded. Follow-up averaged 74 months (range, 12-178 months), and clinically, 30 hips (60%) did not present a subsequent dislocation at most recent follow-up. In five hips (10%), deep infection after the augmentation procedure necessitated removal of the entire prosthesis. In our opinion, this technique cannot be recommended as it has an unacceptable failure and high infection rate.

In vivo wear reduction of argon compared to air sterilized UHMW-polyethylene liners.

INTRODUCTION: To date, no studies have been published that report on the in vivo advantages of sterilisation in argon (ARGON) versus air (AIR) of UHMWPE liners with respect to wear extend and pattern in uncemented total hip arthroplasty. METHOD: Femoral penetration rates were measured in 93 AIR and 79 ARGON liners, during a mean follow-up of 8 (3-12) years. RESULTS: During the first 3 years after implantation, both groups showed no differences in mean wear rate (P = 0.13). Thereafter, the ARGON liner demonstrated a decrease in wear rate of 0.04 mm/year from 4 to 6 years (P = 0.006), 0.14 mm/year from 7 to 9 years (P < 0.001), and 0.33 mm/year beyond 9 years follow-up (P = 0.015) compared to the AIR liner. One AIR acetabular component required revision.

Porous-coated femoral components with or without hydroxyapatite in primary uncemented total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the clinical and radiologic benefit of hydroxyapatite coating in uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty. A database of Medline articles published up to September 2007 was compiled and screened. Eight studies involving 857 patients were included in the review. Pooled analysis for Harris hip score as a clinical outcome measure demonstrated no advantage of the hydroxyapatite coating (WMD: 1.49, P = 0.44). Radiologically, both groups showed equal presence of endosteal bone ingrowth (RR: 1.04, P = 0.66) and radioactive lines (RR: 1.02, P = 0.74) in the surface area of the prosthesis. This meta-analysis demonstrates neither clinical nor radiologic benefits on the application of a hydroxyapatite coating on a femoral component in uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty.

[Indications for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with a prosthetic joint]. / Indicaties voor antibiotische profylaxe bij patiënten met een gewrichtsprothese.

Under certain circumstances, patients with a prosthetic joint and a focal infection elsewhere in the body may be at risk of developing bacterial infection of the prosthesis. Patients and physicians should actively prevent infections that can spread systemically. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for all patients with a prosthetic joint and suspected bacteraemia. Antibiotic prophylaxis is warranted in three groups of patients with a prosthetic joint who must undergo an invasive procedure that could cause bacteraemia: patients with a predisposing immunocompromising systemic condition or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, patients with a dermatological infection, and patients with an obvious focal infection, e.g., urosepsis. If the patient is already receiving antibiotics for the infection, additional prophylaxis is usually unnecessary. For patients undergoing dental procedures who require antibiotic prophylaxis, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or clindamycin are preferred.

[Gouty arthritis in a total knee prosthesis]. / Jichtartritis van een totale knieprothese.

This article describes a 69-year-old man with a bilateral total knee prosthesis in whom both knees were swollen and painful. Fever was present and the levels of inflammation markers were markedly elevated. Gout was diagnosed in the right knee and haemarthros during calcium carbasalate use in the left knee. Gout in a knee with a total knee prosthesis is rare and can mimic septic arthritis. Early diagnosis is of particular importance as the therapy of the two conditions differs considerably. Gout is treated with medication while surgical treatment is necessary in a case of septic arthritis, which may even involve removal of the prosthesis.

Prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with immobilization of the lower extremities: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: It is controversial whether the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with lower-leg immobilization is necessary. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and complications of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, we performed a meta-analysis of all available randomized controlled trials on this subject. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. We included English- and non-English language studies, we hand-searched journals, and we contacted manufacturers. We analyzed data from six randomized trials that investigated pharmacological prophylaxis for the prevention of VTE in 1456 patients with lower-leg immobilization in plaster cast or orthosis. Two reviewers independently assessed the trials for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed trial quality. Differences were resolved by consensus or arbitrage. RESULTS: The pooled estimate from all trials revealed a highly significant and clinically relevant reduction in asymptomatic events with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis, compared to placebo or untreated control [risk ratio (RR) 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.86; P = 0.006). The mean rate of VTE decreased from 17.1% to 9.6% with the use of LMWH. Subgroup analysis of methodologically superior trials (RR 0.68; CI 0.50-0.92; P = 0.01), proximal deep vein thrombosis (RR 0.28; CI 0.11-0.72; P = 0.008), tendon ruptures (RR 0.60; CI 0.38-0.97; P = 0.04), and fractures (RR 0.62; CI 0.45-0.86; P = 0.004) confirmed the robustness of the overall result. Frequency of bleeding did not differ between LMWH prophylaxis and control groups (RR 1.22; CI 0.61-2.46; P = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that thromboprophylaxis with LMWH for immobilization of the lower extremities reduces the risk of VTE. This benefit is achieved with no excess bleeding.

[How many steps does a doctor take in the hospital? No difference between internists and general surgeons, but a relationship with age and BMI]. / Hoeveel stappen zet een dokter in het ziekenhuis? Geen verschil tussen internisten en algemeen chirurgen, maar wel samenhang met leeftijd en BMI.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of steps taken during working days in the hospital by both internists and general surgeons and whether there is a difference between housemen, registrars and members of the staff. DESIGN: Comparative analysis. METHOD: A validated pedometer was used to count the number of steps taken by housemen, registrars and staff members in the departments of internal medicine and general surgery. The 2 groups of doctors comprised 131 subjects from 13 training hospitals. Possible factors likely to affect the number of steps, such as age, sex, weight and height, were recorded. RESULTS: The average number of steps taken per day was 5325 (range: 1105-10,250) and the average number per hour was 548 (range: 143-1105), with an average working day of 9.8 hours and 8.4 measured days. When corrected for age, sex and hierarchic status, no significant difference was observed between surgeons and internists (p = 0.097). There were also no differences within the hierarchic structure after correction (p = 0.936). Age and BMI seemed to be the most important factors predicting the number of steps in this population. Each additional year of age corresponded with an average decrease of 5 steps per hour on the job (p = 0.001), while each point rise in BMI (+1 kg/m) coincided with an average decrease of 20 steps per hour (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: After correcting for confounding factors, no differences were observed in the number of steps taken in the hospital by general surgeons and internists. There was also no difference between hierarchic levels. Age and BMI were the most important variables that predicted the number of steps taken per hour in this research population.

[Thromboprophylaxis is not indicated for knee arthroscopy and cast immobilisation]. / Tromboseprofylaxe niet geïndiceerd bij artroscopie van de knie en gipsimmobilisatie.

The incidence ofvenous thromboembolism following knee arthroscopy and plaster-cast immobilisation of the lower extremity is considerable (10-20%). The available data are insufficient to demonstrate that pharmacological thromboprophylaxis reduces the incidence of venous thromboembolism significantly. Withholding patients thromboprophylaxis in these situations is therefore a reasonable approach.