What's new in total hip arthroplasty

Cementless Hemiarthroplasty for a Femoral Neck Fracture in a 93-Year-Old Female Patient: A Case Report

Displaced femoral neck fractures are prevalent in the elderly, necessitating surgical intervention to restore function and mobility. Hemiarthroplasty, available in both cemented and cementless forms, is a common treatment. While cemented hemiarthroplasty is traditionally preferred, cementless options are gaining attention for their potential advantages, including reduced operative time, decreased blood loss, and preservation of bone stock for future revisions. This case report details the successful application of cementless hemiarthroplasty in a 93-year-old female with a displaced femoral neck fracture, underscoring its feasibility and potential benefits in the very elderly. The patient, with multiple comorbidities including hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, osteoarthritis, dementia, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and limited mobility, presented with left hip pain following a fall. Radiographs confirmed a displaced femoral neck fracture. Cementless hemiarthroplasty was performed using the lateral Harding approach, achieving stable fixation without cement. Postoperative care involves standard pain management, early mobilization, and monitoring for complications. This case highlights the potential benefits of cementless hemiarthroplasty, such as reduced operative time and decreased risk of cement-related complications, particularly in elderly patients with good bone quality. The successful outcome, characterized by stable fixation and absence of intraoperative or early postoperative complications, emphasizes the importance of individualized patient assessment and tailored surgical approaches. Further research is needed to refine guidelines and expand the evidence base for the use of cementless techniques in this demographic.

Are we getting better at cementing femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty? A 5-year institutional trend

INTRODUCTION

Femoral stem cementation provides excellent implant longevity with a low periprosthetic fracture rate among patients with compromised bone quality or abnormal anatomy. We radiologically evaluated the quality of the femoral cement mantle in patients undergoing THA to examine whether cementation quality improved with increased institutional experience.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 542 primary elective THAs performed using cemented stems from 2016 to 2021 at a high-volume orthopedic specialty center was conducted. Immediate post-operative anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were evaluated to assess cement mantle quality based on the Barrack classification. Cement mantles were deemed satisfactory (Barrack A and B) or unsatisfactory (Barrack C and D). Regression was performed to identify predictors of unsatisfactory cementation quality.

RESULTS

The annual cemented primary THA volume increased throughout the study period from 14 cases in 2016 to 201 cases in 2021. Overall, the majority of cement mantles were deemed satisfactory; 91.7% on AP radiographs and 91.0% on lateral radiographs. Satisfactory cementation on AP radiograph achievement rates improved during the study period, which coincided with greater annual volume (p < 0.001). No association was found between posterior and direct anterior surgical approaches and satisfactory cementation quality on both AP and lateral radiographs.

CONCLUSION

Majority of femoral stems had satisfactory cementation quality. Higher institutional annual cemented THA volume was associated with improved cementation quality. Residency and fellowship training programs should place greater emphasis on the importance of femoral stem cementation for appropriately indicated patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective cohort study.

The effects of elastic band exercise on the pain, kinesiophobia, functional, and psychological status after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Elastic band exercise not only improves muscle strength and elasticity, increases efficiency, balance, and quality of life but also decreases the injury risk. This study was conducted to determine the effect of elastic band exercise on pain, kinesiophobia, functional, and psychological status after total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

This study was conducted out between October 2019 and April 2020 as a randomized controlled experimental study with a total of 60 patients. Data collection tools in this study included a descriptive information form, visual analog scale, Tampa Kinesiophobia, WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, and Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS

Before intervention, the total score of VAS, WOMAC, Tampa Kinesiophobia, and Beck Depression showed no statistically significant difference between intervention group and control group. However, 4 weeks after intervention observed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of VAS (U = 10,000; p < 0.001), WOMAC (U = 0.00; p < 0.001), Tampa Kinesiophobia (U = 221.5; p = 0.001), and Beck Depression means score (U = 112.5; p < 0.001). In addition, 4 weeks after the intervention, joint range and walking test assessments were statistically significant between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of the research showed that elastic band exercise had a positive effect on psychological and functional capacity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry (registration number NCT04981106) Key points • Patients with total knee arthroplasty require rehabilitation exercise to avoid physical function weakness. • Elastic band exercise significantly reduces patients' fear of movement and depression. • Elastic band exercise activities facilitate significant physical motion function. • Elastic band exercise inspires the will of patients to engage in home rehabilitation exercise patients after total knee arthroplasty.

Accuracy of Computer-Aided Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery: How Can It Be Defined, Measured Experimentally, and Analyzed from a Clinical Perspective?

Surgical accuracy is multifactorial. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all influencing factors when investigating the accuracy of a surgical procedure, such as the surgeon's experience, the assistive technologies that may be used by the surgeon, and the patient factors associated with the specific anatomical site. For in vitro preclinical investigations, accuracy should be linked to the concepts of trueness (e.g., distance from the surgical target) and precision (e.g., variability in relation to the surgical target) to gather preclinical, quantitative, objective data on the accuracy of completed surgical procedures that have been performed with assistive technologies. The clinical relevance of improvements in accuracy that have been observed experimentally may be evaluated by analyzing the impact on the risk of failure and by taking into account the level of tolerance in relation to the surgical target (e.g., the extent of the safety zone). The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) methodology enables preclinical testing of new assistive technologies to quantify improvements in accuracy and assess the benefits in terms of reducing the risk of failure and achieving surgical targets with tighter tolerances before the testing of clinical outcomes.

Cancellous and cortical bone mineral density around an elastic press-fit socket in total hip arthroplasty

Background and purpose - The acetabular component has remained the weakest link in hip arthroplasty for achievement of long-term survival. One of the possible explanatory factors for acetabular failure has been acetabular stress shielding. For this, we investigated the effects of a cementless elastic socket on acetabular bone mineral density (BMD). Patients and methods - During 2008-2009, we performed a single-center prospective cohort trial on 25 patients (mean age 64 (SD 4), 18 females) in whom we implanted a cementless elastic press-fit socket. Using quantitative BMD measurements on CT, we determined the change in BMD surrounding the acetabular component over a 2-year follow-up period. Results - We found a statistically significant decrease in cancellous BMD (-14% to -35%) and a stable level of cortical BMD (5% to -5%) surrounding the elastic press-fit cup during the follow-up period. The main decrease was seen during the first 6 months after implantation. During the second year, cancellous BMD showed a further decrease in the medial and lower acetabular regions. Interpretation - We found no evidence that an elastic press-fit socket would prevent acetabular stress shielding during a 2-year follow-up.

Inhibitory Effects of Lanthanum Chloride on Wear Particle-Induced Osteolysis in a Mouse Calvarial Model

Osteolysis is a bone disorder associated with progressive destruction of bone tissues. However, the effects of lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) on osteolysis remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of LaCl3 on osteolysis in vivo. In a mouse calvarial model, C57BL/6J mice were injected with wear particles with or without LaCl3. Microcomputed tomography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining were performed for the pathological characterization of calvariae, and eight calvariae per group were prepared for the assay of TNF-α, IL-1β, and RANKL secretion using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In mice treated with high-dose LaCl3, particle-induced osteolysis and inflammatory reaction were reduced compared with that in the vehicle-treated control. Moreover, treatment with high-dose LaCl3 suppressed the wear particle-induced decrease in bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone volume fraction. Bone destruction and resorption were higher in the LaCl3-treated group than in the saline-treated group but lower than those in the wear particle group. Finally, our results showed that treatment with a high dose of LaCl3 suppressed osteoclastogenesis. Thus, LaCl3 may represent a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of wear particle-induced osteolysis and aseptic loosening.

ACETABULAR LOAD-TRANSFER AND MECHANICAL STABILITY: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS COMPARING DIFFERENT CEMENTLESS SOCKETS

Acetabular stress shielding may be a failure mechanism of acetabular constructs promoting osteolysis, aseptic loosening and failure. We used three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the effect of flexible sockets on acetabular stress shielding. The sockets were made of (1) full polyethylene (PE), (2) PE with a metal bearing and (3) a PE insert with a metal backing was used as a traditional stiff implant. We compared the strain energy density and interfacial micro-motions between bone and cementless sockets during walking. In our FEA model, the most elastic socket (case 1) showed the highest levels of micro-motion during walking (400 μm). The most rigid socket (case 3) showed smaller areas of high micro-motions. Assuming a threshold for ingrowth of 50 microns, the flexible cup showed an ingrowth area of almost 40%, whereas the other two cases showed stable areas covering 60% of the total bone–component interface. Furthermore, we found that the introduction of an implant generates a very different strain pattern directly around the implant as compared with the intact case, which has a horse-shoe shaped cartilage layer in the acetabulum. This difference was not affected much by the stiffness of the implant; a more flexible implant resulted in only slightly higher strain levels. Bone strains over 1.5 mm from the cup showed physiological values and were not affected by the stiffness of the implant. Hence, this study shows that the physiological strain patterns are not obtained in the direct periprosthetic bone, regardless of the stiffness of the material.

[Modified mini-Hardinge access for hip prosthesis implantation in the supine position]

OBJECTIVE

Total hip arthroplasty with a minimal-incision technique that can be performed in the widely used supine position. The accustomed and good overview of this position allows safe positioning of the implant and combines this with the advantage of a soft tissue preserving technique. All standard instruments and implants can be further applied.

INDICATIONS

Primary and secondary coxarthrosis, femoral head necrosis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Revision surgery, severe anatomic deformity, implantation of hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Supine position. The skin incision runs from the innominate tubercle proximally and falls slightly in the dorsal direction (20-30°). Incision of the iliotibial tract and exposure of the vastogluteal muscle sling. Starting from the greater trochanter, the sinewy onset of the minimal and medium gluteal muscle is split with an arched-shaped incision, which also falls proximally in the dorsal direction. Exposition of the joint capsule, longitudinal incision and resection of the ventrolateral parts. Dislocation of the hip by a combined adduction and external rotation movement. Osteotomy of the femoral neck and resection of the femoral head are performed in a figure-of-four position without adduction. To prepare the acetabulum and to insert the cup, the leg is placed in neutral position with a slight flexion of 20° in the hip. Preparation of the femur and implantation of the stem is again performed in a figure-of-four position in adduction. Reduction of the hip and stepwise wound closure.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Mobilization on postoperative day 1. Starting with half weight bearing and after completed wound healing rapid increase to full weight bearing. Intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Thrombosis prophylaxis according to guidelines.

RESULTS

The mini-incision approach has successfully been used in our clinic for years. Between September 2004 and November 2005, the less-invasive technique was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial with 51 patients (52 hips). Compared to the standard approach a significantly shorter incision length (8.9 vs. 14.0 cm) and a slightly lower blood loss (502 vs. 660 ml) were observed for the modified mini-Hardinge. Moreover, the mini-incision group showed slightly better functional results in the early course. A higher rate of implant malpositioning or a higher peri- and postoperative complication rate was not observed.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of surgical site infection (SSI). Over the past decade there has been an increase in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). This is a subpopulation of the bacterium with unique resistance and virulence characteristics. Nasal colonisation with either S. aureus or MRSA has been demonstrated to be an important independent risk factor associated with the increasing incidence and severity of SSI after orthopaedic surgery. Furthermore, there is an economic burden related to SSI following orthopaedic surgery, with MRSA-associated SSI leading to longer hospital stays and increased hospital costs. Although there is some controversy about the effectiveness of screening and eradication programmes, the literature suggests that patients should be screened and MRSA-positive patients treated before surgical admission in order to reduce the risk of SSI.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:4–9.

Evaluation of range of motion restriction within the hip joint

In total hip arthroplasty, determining the impingement free range of motion requirement is a complex task. This is because in the native hip, motion is restricted by both impingement as well as soft tissue restraint. The aim of this study is to determine a range of motion benchmark which can identify motions which are at risk from impingement and those which are constrained due to soft tissue. Two experimental methodologies were used to determine motions which were limited by impingement and those motions which were limited by both impingement and soft tissue restraint. By comparing these two experimental results, motions which were limited by impingement were able to be separated from those motions which were limited by soft tissue restraint. The results show motions in extension as well as flexion combined with adduction are limited by soft tissue restraint. Motions in flexion, flexion combined with abduction and adduction are at risk from osseous impingement. Consequently, these motions represent where the maximum likely damage will occur in femoroacetabular impingement or at most risk of prosthetic impingement in total hip arthroplasty.

5-year clinical and radiostereometric analysis (RSA) follow-up of 39 CUT femoral neck total hip prostheses in young osteoarthritis patients

BACKGROUND

As the number of young patients receiving total hip arthroplasty increases, bone-saving implantations facilitating possible future revision, such as the CUT femoral neck prosthesis, are gaining importance. There have been few medium-term results reported for this prosthesis, however, and its migration pattern has not been analyzed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

39 consecutive CUT femoral neck prostheses were implanted in 32 patients, mean age 37 (17-58) years, with symptomatic osteoarthritis and either less than 55 years of age or with an anatomic anomaly preventing implantation of a diaphyseal stem (n = 1). Patients were followed prospectively using routine clinical examination and radiostereometric analysis (RSA) at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively and annually thereafter. This study evaluated the 5-year follow-up results.

RESULTS

The mean Harris hip score increased from 26 (3-51) points preoperatively to 84 (66-98), 86 (55-98), and 87 (47-98) points at 3, 12, and 60 months. 3 stems were revised: 1 after luxation following excessive subsidence due to an undersized component and 2 due to persistent strong thigh pain. 5-year survival was 95% (95% CI: 87-100). Initial migration varied widely in magnitude; median total tip migration was 0.42 mm (0.09-9.4) at 6 weeks, 0.92 mm (0.18-5.9) at 1 year, and 1.10 mm (0.13-6.4) at 5 years. Even after high initial migration, stabilization was achieved in 31 of the 35 RSA-evaluable implants. 3 prostheses showed progressive continuous migration throughout the entire follow-up period, and were considered to be loose, suggesting reduced long-term survival.

INTERPRETATION

Currently, we cannot recommend the CUT femoral neck prosthesis as a routine treatment option in (young) patients requiring THA. The CUT prosthesis may not reach the 90% survival benchmark at 10 years, and the prosthesis is difficult to implant. If initial stabilization is achieved, however, aseptic loosening is unlikely. A good clinical outcome was seen in the surviving prostheses. We will continue to follow this patient group.

Adverse outcomes in hip arthroplasty: long-term trends

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure, but little is known about longitudinal trends in associated adverse outcomes. Our objective was to describe long-term trends in demographics, comorbidities, and adverse outcomes for older patients who underwent primary and revision total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

We identified a retrospective, observational cohort of 1,405,379 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty and 337,874 who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty between 1991 and 2008. The primary outcome was a composite representing the occurrence of one or more of the following adverse outcomes during the index admission or during readmission within ninety days after discharge: death, hemorrhage, infection, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, deep venous thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. Secondary outcomes included each of these outcomes assessed individually.

RESULTS

Between 1991 and 2008, the mean age and the mean comorbidity burden increased for all total hip arthroplasty patients. The length of hospital stay after primary and revision total hip arthroplasty declined by approximately 50% over the study period. However, the rate of readmission for any cause has recently increased and has surpassed 10% for primary total hip arthroplasty and 20% for revision total hip arthroplasty. The composite rate of adverse outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty declined from 4% to 3.4% over the study period, whereas the composite adverse outcome rate after revision total hip arthroplasty slowly increased from 7% to 10.9%. We observed a steady decline in the rates of most individual adverse outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty over the majority of the study period. Many of these rates stabilized or began to increase slightly near the end of the study period. In contrast, an increase in the rates of many adverse outcomes was observed in the revision total hip arthroplasty population even after accounting for changes in patient complexity. Postoperative hemorrhage has gradually increased after both primary and revision total hip arthroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing primary and revision total hip arthroplasty are becoming more complex. Despite this increasing complexity, patient outcomes for primary total hip arthroplasty improved markedly before stabilizing in recent years. In contrast, patient outcomes after revision total hip arthroplasty have gradually worsened, likely reflecting the increase in the medical comorbidities and surgical complexity of these patients. Length of hospital stay has demonstrated a substantial decline, which has recently been coupled with an increased readmission rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk factor analysis for early femoral failure in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty: the effect of bone density and body mass index

Background

The importance of appropriately selecting patients based on factors such as bone mineral density, body mass index, age, gender, and femoral component size has been demonstrated in many studies as an aid in decreasing the rate of revisions and improving the outcomes for patients after hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA); however, there are few published studies quantitatively specifying the potential risk factors that affect early femoral component failures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the specific causes of early femoral component failures in hip resurfacing separately and more carefully in order to develop strategies to prevent these failures, rather than excluding groups of patients from this surgical procedure.

Methods

This retrospective study included 373 metal-on-metal HRAs performed by a single surgeon using the vascular sparing posterior minimally invasive surgical approach. The average length of follow-up was 30 ± 6 months. In order to understand the causes of early femoral failure rate, a multivariable logistic regression model was generated in order to analyze the effects of bone mineral density (T-score), gender, diagnosis, body mass index, femoral implant fixation type, age, and femoral component size.

Results

The average post-operative Harris hip score was 92 ± 11 points and the average post-operative UCLA score was 7 ± 2 points. There were three revisions due to femoral neck fracture and two for femoral component loosening. These occurred in two female and three male patients. In the multi-variable regression model, only T-score and body mass index showed significant effects on the failure rate of femoral components. Patients with a lower T-score and a higher body mass index had a significantly increased risk of early femoral component failure.

Conclusion

We recommend that dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan T-score tests should be routinely performed on all hip resurfacing patients pre-operatively. If a patient has a low T-score (≤ -1.5), consideration should be given to additional precautions or treatments to alleviate his or her risk, especially when the patient has a higher body mass index (≥ 29 kg/m²).

Is there added risk in resurfacing a femoral head with cysts?

Background

Femoral head cysts have been identified as a risk factor for early femoral failures after metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) based on limited scientific data. However, we routinely performed HRA if less than 1/3 of the femoral head appeared destroyed by cysts on the preoperative radiograph. This study was undertaken to analyze whether there was an added risk of early femoral failures in HRA when femoral head cysts were present.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study included 939 MOM HRAs operated by a single surgeon with use of the posterior minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach between November 2005 and January 2009. Patients with all diagnoses except osteonecrosis were included. Among them, 117 HRAs had femoral head cysts ≥ 1 cm identified in surgery. All cysts were treated with bone grafting using acetabular reamings packed into the cavitary defect (instead of filling the cysts with cement). The control group, which had no cyst observed at the time of surgery, was randomly selected from our database using computer algorithms to match those cases in the study group for the parameters of surgical date, age, gender, body mass index, diagnosis, femoral fixation method, and the size of the femoral component.

Results

The minimum follow-up was 24 months for both groups. The early femoral failure rate in the study group was 3/117 (2.6%) and 0/117 in the control group; there was no statistical difference between these two groups (P = 0.08). In the study group, there were two femoral neck fractures (revised): both occurred in patients having a cyst size of 1 cm³; and there was one femoral component loosening at 3-year follow up in a patient having a cyst size of 2 cm³.

Conclusion

Although the risk of early femoral failures among the group with cysts appeared higher than the group without cysts, we could not demonstrate a significant statistical difference between the two groups. It is possible that bone grafting cysts rather than cementing them may account for the low failure rate, and that this technique may minimize the risk of resurfacing a femoral head with cysts.

Prevalence of dysplasia as the source of worse outcome in young female patients after hip resurfacing arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Smaller femoral component size has been implicated as underlying the risk factor that explains the higher failure rate in women who have a hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). We suspect that the diagnosis of dysplasia may be a more important causative risk factor than either small component size or female gender.

METHODS

From January 2002 to July 2008, a total of 1,216 HRA cases, 1,082 with the primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis and 134 with dysplasia, were included in this study. Of them, 867 cases were performed in men and 349 performed in women. The average femoral component size was 51 ± 4 mm. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the significance of each variable and determine the causative risk factors for failure.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 5 ± 2 years. Thirty-nine cases failed (20 in men vs. 19 in women). The failure rate for the whole group was 3.2% (2.3% in men vs. 5.4% in women; P = 0.01). Dysplasia (P = 0.05) was identified as the only significant risk factor in our multi-variable analysis; small femoral component size (P = 0.09) and gender (P = 0.76) were not significant risk factors. Women with the primary diagnosis of dysplasia had a survivorship rate of only 75% compared to 93% for the entire group at eight-year follow-up post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found that the high incidence of dysplasia in young women undergoing HRA was the reason that women had a higher failure rate after HRA. In dysplasia, 70% of failures were due to acetabular problems, of which 50% were due to failure of fixation and 20% due to adverse wear.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Medicare patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, 1991-2008

CONTEXT

Total hip arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure but little is known about longitudinal trends.

OBJECTIVE

To examine demographics and outcomes of patients undergoing primary and revision total hip arthroplasty.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Observational cohort of 1,453,493 Medicare Part A beneficiaries who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty and 348,596 who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty. Participants were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for primary and revision total hip arthroplasty between 1991 and 2008.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in patient demographics and comorbidity, hospital length of stay (LOS), mortality, discharge disposition, and all-cause readmission rates.

RESULTS

Between 1991 and 2008, the mean age for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty increased from 74.1 to 75.1 years and for revision total hip arthroplasty from 75.8 to 77.3 years (P < .001). The mean number of comorbid illnesses per patient increased from 1.0 to 2.0 for primary total hip arthroplasty and 1.1 to 2.3 for revision (P < .001). For primary total hip arthroplasty, mean hospital LOS decreased from 9.1 days in 1991-1992 to 3.7 days in 2007-2008 (P = .002); unadjusted in-hospital and 30-day mortality decreased from 0.5% to 0.2% and from 0.7% to 0.4%, respectively (P < .001). The proportion of primary total hip arthroplasty patients discharged home declined from 68.0% to 48.2%; the proportion discharged to skilled care increased from 17.8% to 34.3%; and 30-day all-cause readmission increased from 5.9% to 8.5% (P < .001). For revision total hip arthroplasty, similar trends were observed in hospital LOS, in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition, and hospital readmission rates.

CONCLUSION

Among Medicare beneficiaries who underwent primary and revision hip arthroplasty between 1991 and 2008, there was a decrease in hospital LOS but an increase in the rates of discharge to postacute care and readmission.

Comparison of fully porous-coated and hybrid hip resurfacing: a minimum 2-year follow-up study

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of the first 191 fully porous-coated hip resurfacing arthroplasties with 96 hybrid hip resurfacing arthroplasties performed during the same period at a minimum 2-year follow-up to evaluate the initial fixation of uncemented femoral resurfacing components. The results of this study indicate that fully porous-coated femoral resurfacing components can routinely achieve reliable fixation and provide similar initial results as have been achieved with cemented fixation. Long-term results are needed to determine which type of fixation is superior for the femoral hip resurfacing component.

Continuous epidural infusion of morphine versus single epidural injection of extended-release morphine for postoperative pain control after arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

This study retrospectively compared the continuous epidural infusion of morphine with a single epidural injection of extended-release morphine for postoperative pain control after arthroplasty.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed for subjects who had total knee or hip arthroplasty (THA) under spinal anesthesia and received either a continuous epidural infusion of morphine (Group EPID; n = 101) or an extended-release epidural morphine (Group EREM; n = 109) for postoperative pain. Data were collected for three postoperative days (POD) on: pain scores; supplemental opioids; medications for respiratory depression, nausea, and pruritus, and distance ambulated during physical therapy.

RESULTS

Pain scores were similar until subjects were transitioned to another analgesic approach on POD 2; after that time, pain scores increased in Group EPID, although they decreased in Group EREM. Supplemental opioids were used more on POD1 in Group EREM than in Group EPID, although time to first opioid and total daily morphine equivalents were similar. Naloxone and antiemetics, not antipruritics, were used more in Group EREM. Distance ambulated after THA was greater in Group EREM than in Group EPID.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that EREM is associated with better postoperative ambulation and analgesia during the transition to oral or intravenous analgesics, although a higher incidence of side-effects was evident.

Basic science considerations in primary total hip replacement arthroplasty

Total Hip Replacement is one of the most common operations performed in the developed world today. An increasingly ageing population means that the numbers of people undergoing this operation is set to rise. There are a numerous number of prosthesis on the market and it is often difficult to choose between them. It is therefore necessary to have a good understanding of the basic scientific principles in Total Hip Replacement and the evidence base underpinning them. This paper reviews the relevant anatomical and biomechanical principles in THA. It goes on to elaborate on the structural properties of materials used in modern implants and looks at the evidence base for different types of fixation including cemented and uncemented components. Modern bearing surfaces are discussed in addition to the scientific basis of various surface engineering modifications in THA prostheses. The basic science considerations in component alignment and abductor tension are also discussed. A brief discussion on modular and custom designs of THR is also included. This article reviews basic science concepts and the rationale underpinning the use of the femoral and acetabular component in total hip replacement.

Hip arthroscopy: state of the art

INTRODUCTION

The unique anatomy of the hip is challenging, and has slowed the progress of hip arthroscopy. The aim of this review is to provide an updated synthesis of existing clinical evidence on hip arthroscopy.

SOURCES OF DATA

A systematic computerized literature search was conducted by two independent reviewers using an iterative manipulation process of the keywords used singularly or in combination. The following databases were accessed on 30th November, 2009: PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/); Ovid (http://www.ovid.com); and Cochrane Reviews (http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/). Case reports, literature reviews, letters to editors and articles not including outcome measures were excluded. Twenty-three publications met the inclusion criteria and were included.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Hip arthroscopy can provide an alternative to traditional arthrotomy with great therapeutic potential. However, the available data do not allow definitive conclusion on its routine use.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

It is still unclear whether arthroscopy is superior to open surgery in the management of femoroacetabular impingement and labral lesions.

GROWING POINTS

Rather than providing strong evidence for or against the use of hip arthroscopy, this study generates potential areas for additional prospective investigations to evaluate the role of hip arthroscopy in clinical practice.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

There is a need to perform appropriately planned and powered studies to clarify the role of arthroscopy in hip pathology.

Does regional anaesthesia improve outcome after total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is amenable to a variety of regional anaesthesia (RA) techniques that may improve patient outcome. We sought to answer whether RA decreased mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), blood loss, duration of surgery, pain, opioid-related adverse effects, cognitive defects, and length of stay. We also questioned whether RA improved rehabilitation. To do so, we performed a systematic review of the contemporary literature to compare general anaesthesia (GA) and RA and also systemic and regional analgesia for THA. To reflect contemporary surgical and anaesthetic practice, only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1990 onward were included. We identified 18 studies involving 1239 patients. Only two of the 18 trials were of Level I quality. There is insufficient evidence from RCTs alone to conclude if anaesthetic technique influenced mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, or the incidence of DVT and PE when using thromboprophylaxis. Blood loss may be reduced in patients receiving RA rather than GA for THA. Our review suggests that there is no difference in duration of surgery in patients who receive GA or RA. Compared with systemic analgesia, regional analgesia can reduce postoperative pain, morphine consumption, and nausea and vomiting. Length of stay is not reduced and rehabilitation does not appear to be facilitated by RA or analgesia for THA.