Nerve palsy, dislocation and revision rate among the approaches for total hip arthroplasty: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

Which approach of total hip arthroplasty is the best efficacy and least complication?

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty is as an effective intervention to relieve pain and improve hip function. Approaches of the hip have been exhaustively explored about pros and cons. The efficacy and the complications of hip approaches remains inconclusive. This study conducted an umbrella review to systematically appraise previous meta-analysis (MAs) including conventional posterior approach (PA), and minimally invasive surgeries as the lateral approach (LA), direct anterior approach (DAA), 2-incisions method, mini-lateral approach and the newest technique direct superior approach (DSA) or supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPath).

AIM

To compare the efficacy and complications of hip approaches that have been published in all MAs and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

MAs were identified from MEDLINE and Scopus from inception until 2023. RCTs were then updated from the latest MA to September 2023. This study included studies which compared hip approaches and reported at least one outcome such as Harris Hip Score (HHS), dislocation, intra-operative fracture, wound complication, nerve injury, operative time, operative blood loss, length of hospital stay, incision length and VAS pain. Data were independently selected, extracted and assessed by two reviewers. Network MA and cluster rank and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) were estimated for treatment efficacy and safety.

RESULTS

Finally, twenty-eight MAs (40 RCTs), and 13 RCTs were retrieved. In total 47 RCTs were included for reanalysis. The results of corrected covered area showed high degree (13.80%). Among 47 RCTs, most of the studies were low risk of bias in part of random process and outcome reporting, while other domains were medium to high risk of bias. DAA significantly provided higher HHS at three months than PA [pooled unstandardized mean difference (USMD): 3.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98, 6.00 with SUCRA: 85.9], followed by DSA/SuperPath (USMD: 1.57, 95%CI: -1.55, 4.69 with SUCRA: 57.6). All approaches had indifferent dislocation and intraoperative fracture rates. SUCRA comparing early functional outcome and composite complications (dislocation, intra-operative fracture, wound complication, and nerve injury) found DAA was the best approach followed by DSA/SuperPath.

CONCLUSION

DSA/SuperPath had better earlier functional outcome than PA, but still could not overcome the result of DAA. This technique might be the other preferred option with acceptable complications.

Evaluation of changes in radiographic spinopelvic parameters after primary total hip arthroplasty and its relationship with short-term patient function

PURPOSE

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is commonly used worldwide in pelvic osteoarthritis treatment. This surgery can change the spinopelvic parameters, which in turn affects the performance of the patients after surgery. However, the relationship between functional disability following THA and spinopelvic alignment is not completely understood. The limited available studies have also been conducted on the population with spinopelvic malalignments. This study aimed to examine the changes in spinopelvic parameters after primary THA in patients with normal preoperative spinopelvic characteristics and the association of these parameters with the performance, gender, and age of the patients after THA.

METHODS

Fifty-eight eligible patients with unilateral primary hip osteoarthritis (HOA) scheduled for total hip arthroplasty between February and September 2021 were studied. Spinopelvic parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT) were measured before surgery and three months after surgery, and the relationship between these parameters and patients' performance (Harris hip score) was assessed. Also, the relationship between the age and gender of the patients with these parameters was evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of study participants was 46.03 ± 14.25. Three months after THA, sacral slope decreased with the mean difference of 4.31 ± 10.26 degrees (p = 0.002) and Harris hip score (HHS) increased by 19.41 ± 26.55 points (p < 0.001). With increasing age in patients, the mean SS and PT decreased. Among the spinopelvic parameters, SS (β = 0.11) had a greater effect than PT on postoperative HHS changes and among the demographic parameters, age (β = -0.18) had a greater effect on HHS changes than gender.

CONCLUSION

Spinopelvic parameters are associated with age, gender, and patient's function after THA as sacral slope decreased and HHS increased after THA, and aging is accompanied by lowering of PT and SS.

Risk factors for liner wear and head migration in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful orthopaedic surgical procedure, and its longevity depends on bearing components and implant fixation. Optimizing polyethylene and ceramics has led to improved wear parameters and contributed to improved long-term outcomes. The present systematic review investigated whether time span from implantation, patient characteristics and performance status exert an influence on liner wear and head migration in THA. This study was conducted in conformity to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. All the clinical investigations which reported quantitative data on the amount of liner wear and head migration in THA were considered. Only studies which reported quantitative data at least on one of the following patient characteristics were suitable: mean age, mean BMI (kg/m2), sex, side, time span between the index THA and the last follow-up (months) were eligible. A multiple linear model regression analysis was employed to verify the association between patient characteristics and the amount of liner wear and/or head migration. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the association between variables. Data from 12,629 patients were considered. The mean length of the follow-up was 90.5 ± 50.9 months. The mean age of patients at surgery was 58.4 ± 9.4 years, and the mean BMI was 27.2 ± 2.5 kg/m2. 57% (7199 of 12,629 patients) were women, and in 44% (5557 of 12,629 patients) THAs were performed on the left. The mean pre-operative Harris hip score was 46.5 ± 6.0 points. There was evidence of a moderate positive association between the amount of liner wear and the time elapsed between the index surgery to the follow-up (P = 0.02). There was evidence of a moderate positive association between the amount of head migration and the time elapsed between the index surgery to the follow-up (P = 0.01). No further statistically significant association was found. The time elapsed between the index surgery to the follow-up was the most important factor which influence the head migration and liner wear in THA. Patients' characteristics and preoperative physical activity did not influence the amount of head migration and liner wear.

Factors influencing the outcomes of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

Introduction

The present systematic review investigated possible factors which may influence the surgical outcome of minimally invasive surgery for total hip arthroplasty (MIS THA).

Methods

In January 2022, the Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases were accessed. All the clinical trials investigating the clinical outcome of MIS THA were considered.

Results

Data from 9486 procedures were collected. Older age was moderately associated with greater Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (P = 0.02) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (P = 0.009) at last follow-up, and shorter surgical duration (P = 0.01). Greater body mass index (BMI) at baseline was moderately associated with greater cup anteversion (P = 0.0009), Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at last follow-up (P = 0.04), longer surgical duration (P = 0.04), increased leg length discrepancy (P = 0.02), and greater rate of infection (P = 0.04). Greater VAS at baseline was weakly associated with greater VAS at last follow-up (P < 0.0001), total estimated blood lost (P = 0.01), and lower value of Harris Hip Score (HHS) (P = 0.0005). Greater OHS at baseline was associated with greater post-operative VAS (P = 0.01). Greater WOMAC at baseline was associated with lower cup anteversion (P = 0.009) and greater VAS (P = 0.02). Greater HHS at baseline was associated with shorter hospitalisation (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Older age and greater BMI may represent negative prognostic factors for MIS THA. The clinical outcome is strongly influenced by the preoperative status of patients.

Imageless navigation for primary total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis study

BACKGROUND

There has been a growing interest in imageless navigation for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Its superiority over standard THA is debated. This meta-analysis compared surgical duration, implant positioning, Harris Hip Score and rate of dislocation of imageless navigation versus conventional THA.

METHODS

The present study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. All the clinical trials comparing imageless navigation versus conventional for primary THA were accessed. In January 2022, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Embase. No time constraints were used for the search. The outcomes of interest were to compare cup inclination and anteversion, leg length discrepancy, surgical duration, Harris Hip Score and rate of dislocation of imageless navigation versus conventional THA.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (2706 procedures) were retrieved. Fifty-two percent of patients were women. There was between-group comparability at baseline in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), visual analogue scale, Harris Hip Score and leg length discrepancy (P > 0.1). Compared with conventional THA, the navigated group demonstrated slightly lower leg length discrepancy (P = 0.02) but longer duration of the surgical procedure (P < 0.0001). Cup anteversion (P = 0.6) and inclination (P = 0.5), Harris Hip Score (P = 0.1) and rate of dislocation (P = 0.98) were similar between the two interventions.

CONCLUSION

Imageless navigation may represent a viable option for THA.

Nerve Injuries Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: The Influence of Surgical Approach

Nerve injuries following total hip arthroplasty are rare but devastating complications. The most important modifiable risk factor remains the choice of hip approach and surgical technique applied. The risk of nerve injuries is related to technical complexity of the procedure and anatomic variability of the nerves. Surgeons should remain cognizant of inherent risk factors, variations in the course and branching patterns of different nerves, and technical considerations of the surgical approach to mitigate risks. This article reviews the literature on postsurgical nerve injuries following total hip arthroplasty and characterizes the influence of surgical approach on the risk of this complication.

No benefits of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty via Watson-Jones approach: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

There is controversy about the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The present study aimed to investigate whether a MIS approach has a positive impact on the outcome of THA via the Watson-Jones anterolateral approach. Clinical scores and radiological findings of minimally and standard invasive exposures were evaluated and compared.

METHODS

The present study was conducted according to the STROBE statement. Patients operated between 2017 and 2018 in two different orthopaedic institutions was performed. Patients with symptomatic coxarthrosis reducing considerably patient's quality of life were asked to participate in the present study. Patients were divided into two THA groups: MIS and standard invasive surgery (SIS). Surgical procedures were performed in by two experienced surgeons via the Watson-Jones approach.

RESULTS

Data from 140 patients were collected (70 patients for each group) at two years follow-up. Leg length discrepancy was greater in the MIS cohort (P = 0.01). The Stiffness subscale of the WOMAC score resulted minimally increased in the SIS group (P = 0.03). The overall WOMAC score and the other subscales resulted similar between the two groups. Femoral offset, acetabular offset, cup orientation, cup inclination, VAS resulted similar between the two cohorts. Only a case of revision in the SIS group was reported.

CONCLUSION

THA via the Watson-Jones approach achieves short terms excellent results. Surgery performed via a MIS approach does not provide any superior outcome compared to the SIS in terms of radiographic findings and clinical scores at two years follow-up.

NSAIDs for Prophylaxis for Heterotopic Ossification After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have been recommended to prevent of heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but debates are still ongoing. The present Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) compared all available pathways of NSAID treatment as prophylaxis for HO after THA. The present Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted according to The PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions guidelines. All randomized clinical trials comparing two or more interventions to prevent HO after THA were considered for analysis. HO was classified according to Brooker. The quality of the methodological assessment was performed through the risk of bias summary tool of the Review Manager Software 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen). The network meta-analysis was performed through a STATA routine for Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model analysis, with log odd ratio (LOR) effect measure. Data from 26 studies (6396 THAs; 58% females) were collected. The mean follow-up was 10.50 ± 5.7 months. ANOVA showed good comparability among mean age and gender (P > 0.5). Celecoxib demonstrated the highest rate of Brooker class 0 (LOR 6.96), followed by diclofenac (LOR 6.94). Naproxen demonstrated the lowest rate of Brooker I HO (LOR 2.82), followed by celecoxib (LOR 3.52). Celecoxib demonstrated lowest rate of Brooker class II HO (LOR 1.66), class III (LOR), and class IV (LOR 0.25). The equation for global linearity detected no statistically significant inconsistency (P > 0.5) in all the comparisons. The present Bayesian network meta-analysis encourages the use of celecoxib as a prophylaxis for HO. These conclusions must be interpreted in light of the limitations of the present study. Future investigations are required to establish more definitely the role of celecoxib.Level of Evidence: I, Bayesian network analysis of RCTs.