National Joint Registry recorded untoward intraoperative events during primary total hip arthroplasty: an investigation into the data accuracy, causal mechanisms and attributability

INTRODUCTION

Untoward intraoperative events occurring during total hip arthroplasty are recorded by the National Joint Registry through Minimum Data Set (MDS) forms. This data may be used to assess the safety of implants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the untoward intraoperative events, assess the mechanism and ascertain whether these events were attributable to the implants inserted.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of primary total hip arthroplasties performed between 2005 and 2018 in which an untoward intraoperative event was recorded.

RESULTS

Of 12,802 primary hip replacements, 64 patients (0.5%) had untoward intraoperative events recorded on the MDS form. In 43 of 64 cases, the intraoperative untoward event recorded on the MDS form matched the operation notes. Among these 43 cases, in 30 (69%) patients the intraoperative event could be attributed to the implant recorded. In the remaining 13 (31%) cases, the events recorded could not be attributed to the implant. In six cases, the untoward events were attributed to implants used to manage the events rather than the implants which caused them. In seven cases, the untoward events were related to surgical technique rather than to the implant or instrumentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis highlights that all untoward intraoperative events recorded on the NJR form are not implant related or attributable to the implant inserted. Provision should be made on the MDS form to clarify whether a particular untoward intraoperative event was related to the implant inserted.

The accuracy of restoration of femoral head centre of rotation in the anteroposterior plane after uncemented total hip arthroplasty : a CT-based study

AIMS

Hip arthroplasty aims to accurately recreate joint biomechanics. Considerable attention has been paid to vertical and horizontal offset, but femoral head centre in the anteroposterior (AP) plane has received little attention. This study investigates the accuracy of restoration of joint centre of rotation in the AP plane.

METHODS

Postoperative CT scans of 40 patients who underwent unilateral uncemented total hip arthroplasty were analyzed. Anteroposterior offset (APO) and femoral anteversion were measured on both the operated and non-operated sides. Sagittal tilt of the femoral stem was also measured. APO measured on axial slices was defined as the perpendicular distance between a line drawn from the anterior most point of the proximal femur (anterior reference line) to the centre of the femoral head. The anterior reference line was made parallel to the posterior condylar axis of the knee to correct for rotation.

RESULTS

Overall, 26/40 hips had a centre of rotation displaced posteriorly compared to the contralateral hip, increasing to 33/40 once corrected for sagittal tilt, with a mean posterior displacement of 7 mm. Linear regression analysis indicated that stem anteversion needed to be increased by 10.8° to recreate the head centre in the AP plane. Merely matching the native version would result in a 12 mm posterior displacement.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the significant incidence of posterior displacement of the head centre in uncemented hip arthroplasty. Effects of such displacement include a reduction in impingement free range of motion, potential alterations in muscle force vectors and lever arms, and impaired proprioception due to muscle fibre reorientation. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(3):180-188.

Management of neck of femur fracture in an adult with short stature and learning disability

Neck of femur fractures (NOFF) are one of the major health concerns, with their incidence and the cost of care rising each year. Though a plethora of literature remains available on NOFF and its management, we found very little evidence for management of NOFF in patients with short stature and learning disability. Because of this unique combination of conditions in our patient, we had to deviate from the standard practice in terms of the implant choice. The usage of cemented Asian C stem AMT with a 36 mm metallic head which is normally reserved for total hip replacements, helped us obtain the desired hip joint stability. This was supplemented by early involvement of the learning disability physiotherapy team and eventually the patient had a satisfactory outcome at 8 months of follow-up. This rare amalgamation of NOFF, short stature and learning disability deserves more attention which our case report hopes to achieve.

Role of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in patients with quiescent septic arthritis undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty

AIM

to evaluate the role of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing patients with a history of quiescent hip septic arthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

retrospective consecutive study of patients with previous history of septic arthritis who underwent MRI scans of their hips prior to primary hip arthroplasty surgery and who also had minimum 2 years follow up postoperatively. Detailed radiographic examinations were obtained, demographic and microbiological data collected. The primary outcome measure was whether a preoperative MRI scan had influenced the surgical decision-making and planning. Rate of recurrence of infection and complications was also collected at final follow up.

RESULTS

sixteen patients with quiescent hip septic arthritis were included. There were 4 males and 12 females with average age at time of primary hip arthroplasty 51.7 years (range 22-75). Five patients had childhood septic arthritis with no documented microbiology data. Eleven patients had adult onset septic arthritis. In patients with childhood septic arthritis the MRI findings were similar to those with degenerative joint disease and had no added value to the routine surgical work up. MRIs of patients with adult onset septic arthritis showed persistent findings of effusion, marrow oedema and soft tissue oedema and had no added value to the surgical planning. All but one underwent single stage total hip arthroplasty. At final follow up, with average 4.6 years (range 2-8), none had a recurrence of infection.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, preoperative MRI scans did not influence the surgical decision making and are not recommended for routine practice in the surgical work up of quiescent septic arthritis prior to total hip arthroplasty.

Femoroacetabular impingement in young adults: assessment and management

Femoroacetabular impingement is a cause of hip pain in young adults as a result of premature dynamic contact between the femur and acetabulum that occurs within the physiological range of hip motion. Diagnosis is made by patient history, clinical examination and radiographic findings. Cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance arthrography may be necessary in selected patients. Femoroacetabular impingement can be treated non-operatively with physiotherapist-led conservative care including analgesia and intra-articular steroid injections. Arthroscopic hip surgery aiming to restore pain-free functional range of movement and repair damaged labrum can help in selected patients with no pre-existing osteoarthritis. This review outlines the clinical assessment, investigations and management of femoroacetabular impingement in young adults.

Functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty after a previous hip arthroscopy: a retrospective comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite patients demonstrating significant short-term clinical improvement from a hip arthroscopy (HA), a number of patients progress to significant osteoarthritis of the hip requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aims to evaluate if there is any difference in the functional outcome of patients undergoing THA after a previous hip arthroscopy compared to patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis of the hip.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2013, in a group of 414 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy, we identified 18 patients who underwent a subsequent uncemented THA. These formed the study group. During the same period, 625 patients underwent an uncemented THA performed for primary OA, of which 63 patients were matched to the study group for age, follow-up and implants used. These formed the control group. Pre-op and post-op Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) were recorded for all patients.

RESULTS

A mean follow-up of 26.5 and 26.3 months was observed in the study and control groups respectively. The median (interquartile ranges) preoperative OHS were 14 (8.25, 17.0) and 18.5 (13.25, 24.75) in the 2 groups. Corresponding postoperative scores were 40 (31.25, 45) and 46 (43, 48). Median difference between the preoperative and postoperative OHS was 27 (19, 31) and 25 (18.25, 31). Adjusting for the pre-treatment scores, the postoperative scores in the study arm were significantly lower than for the control arm with an estimate (SE) of -0.464 (p = 0.012). Post-hoc power analysis showed that the study was sufficiently powered to detect a meaningful difference in scores.

CONCLUSION

Total hip arthroplasty after hip arthroscopy leads to satisfactory functional outcomes. However, the functional outcome in this group is significantly worse than in a matched cohort of patients undergoing THA for osteoarthritis. There was no difference in the rate of complications between the 2 groups.

Finkelstein's Test Is Superior to Eichhoff's Test in the Investigation of de Quervain's Disease

Introduction de Quervain's tenosynovitis is a common pathologic condition of the hand. Finkelstein's test has long been considered to be a pathognomonic sign of this diagnosis, yet most clinicians and instruction manuals erroneously describe what is in fact the Eichhoff's test, which is thought to produce similar pain by tendon stretching in a normal wrist. The purpose of this study was to compare Finkelstein's test with Eichhoff's test in asymptomatic individuals. Materials and Methods Thirty-six asymptomatic participants (72 wrists) were examined using both Finkelstein's and Eichhoff's tests with a minimum interval of 24 hours between the tests. Results The results showed that Finkelstein's test was more accurate than Eichhoff's test. It demonstrated higher specificity, produced significantly fewer numbers of false-positive results, and also caused significantly less discomfort to patients. Conclusion This study recommends Finkelstein's test as the clinical examination of choice for the diagnosis of de Quervain's disease.

A 28-year clinical and radiological follow-up of alumina ceramic-on-crosslinked polyethylene total hip arthroplasty: a follow-up report and analysis of the oxidation of a shelf-aged acetabular component

AIMS

Our aim in this study was to describe a continuing review of 11 total hip arthroplasties using 22.225 mm Alumina ceramic femoral heads on a Charnley flanged femoral component, articulating against a silane crosslinked polyethylene.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine patients (11 THAs) were reviewed at a mean of 27.5 years (26 to 28) post-operatively. Outcome was assessed using the d'Aubigne and Postel, and Charnley scores and penetration was recorded on radiographs. In addition, the oxidation of a 29-year-old shelf-aged acetabular component was analysed.

RESULTS

The mean clinical outcome scores remained excellent at final follow-up. The mean total penetration remained 0.41 mm (0.40 to 0.41). There was no radiographic evidence of acetabular or femoral loosening or osteolysis. There was negligible oxidation in the shelf-aged sample despite gamma irradiation and storage in air.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the long-term stability and durability of this type of crosslinked, antioxidant containing polyethylene when used in combination with a small diameter alumina ceramic femoral head. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1286-9.

Current Concepts in Acetabular Positioning in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Being one of the most successful surgeries in the history of medicine, the indications for total hip arthroplasty have widened and are increasingly being offered to younger and fitter patients. This has also led to high expectations for longevity and outcomes. Acetabular cup position has a significant impact on the results of hip arthroplasty as it affects dislocation, abductor muscle strength, gait, limb lengths, impingement, noise generation, range of motion (ROM), wear, loosening, and cup failure. The variables in cup position are depth, height, and angular position (anteversion and inclination). The implications of change in depth of center of rotation (COR) are medialized versus anatomical positioning. As opposed to traditional medialization with beneficial effects on joint reaction force, the advantages of an anatomical position are increasingly recognized. The maintained acetabular offset offers advantages in terms of ROM, impingement, cortical rim press fit, and maintaining medial bone stock. The height of COR influences muscle activity and limb lengths and available bone stock for cup support. On the other hand, ideal angular position remains a matter of much debate and reliably achieving a target angular position remains elusive. This is not helped by variations in the way we describe angular position, with operative, radiologic, or anatomic definitions being used variably to describe anteversion and inclination. Furthermore, pelvic tilt plays a major role in functional positions of the acetabulum. In addition, commonly used techniques of positioning often do not inform us of the real orientation of the pelvis on operating table, with possibility of significant adduction, flexion, and external rotation of the pelvis being possibilities. This review article brings together the evidence on cup positioning and aims to provide a systematic and pragmatic approach in achieving the best position in individual cases.

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis versus proximal phalanx hemiarthroplasty for hallux rigidus: feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (hallux rigidus) leads to pain and poor function and mobility. Arthrodesis is the gold standard treatment for end-stage disease. Total joint arthroplasties have been attempted, but early loosening has been attributed to dorsally directed shear forces on the metatarsal component. Metallic proximal phalangeal hemiarthroplasty theoretically avoids this. Whilst early results are promising, no comparative trials exist comparing this to arthrodesis.

Methods/Design

The primary objectives are to determine the range of outcome scores between the two treatment arms (to inform a power calculation). Outcome measures will include the MOXFQ, AOFAS-Hallux and EuroQol EQ-5D-5 L. Secondary objectives are to determine the accrual rate, dropout rate and trial acceptability to both patients and surgeons. These data will allow the development of a larger trial with longer follow-up.

This is a prospective randomised controlled single-centre study comparing proximal phalanx hemiarthroplasty (AnaToemic, Arthrex Ltd., Sheffield, UK) with arthrodesis (15 patients in each arm). Randomisation will be performed using a 1:1 allocation ratio in blocks of six.

Patients meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited from three foot and ankle consultant surgeon’s clinics (East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust). If agreeable, informed consent will be obtained before patients are randomised.

The outcome measure scores will be completed pre-operatively and repeated at 6 weeks, 3 months and 12 months. A radiological review will be performed at 6 weeks and 12 months to determine rates of loosening (hemiarthroplasty) and union (arthrodesis). Data on length of stay, return to work, complications and re-operation rates will also be collected.

The analysis will compare the change in outcome scores between treatment groups at all follow-up time points. Scores will be compared using a Student t-test, adjusting for scores at baseline.

This study will be conducted in accordance with the current revision of the Declaration of Helsinki (1996) and the ICH-GCP Guideline (International Conference on Harmonisation, Good Clinical Practice, E6(R1), 1996). This study has been approved by the sponsor, the Trust Research & Development office. Ethical approval has been received from the National Research Ethics Service (North East: 12/NE/0385 for protocol version 5.3 dated 3 June 2013).

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN88273654

The current state of bearing surfaces in total hip replacement

We reviewed the literature on the currently available choices of bearing surface in total hip replacement (THR). We present a detailed description of the properties of articulating surfaces review the understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of existing bearing couples. Recent technological developments in the field of polyethylene and ceramics have altered the risk of fracture and the rate of wear, although the use of metal-on-metal bearings has largely fallen out of favour, owing to concerns about reactions to metal debris. As expected, all bearing surface combinations have advantages and disadvantages. A patient-based approach is recommended, balancing the risks of different options against an individual’s functional demands.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:147–56.

Early results of the Acclaim total elbow replacement in patients with primary osteoarthritis

This is a retrospective review of the results of the Acclaim total elbow replacement in 11 older patients aged ≥ 65 years with primary osteoarthritis of the elbow, with a mean follow-up of 57.6 months (30 to 86.4).

Significant reductions in pain and improvement in range of movement and function were recorded. Radiological review revealed two patients with 1 mm lucencies in a single zone, and one patient with 1 mm lucencies in two zones. No components required revision. There were no deep infections, dislocations or mechanical failures. Complications included one intra-operative medial condylar fracture and one post-operative transient ulnar neuropathy, which resolved.

This study demonstrates that the Acclaim prosthesis provides good symptomatic relief and improvement of function in patients with primary osteoarthritis, with low rates of loosening or other complications. This prosthesis can therefore be considered for patients aged ≥ 65 years with primary osteoarthritis of the elbow.

The effect of tourniquet padding on the efficiency of tourniquets of the upper limb

We report the effect of padding on the efficiency of the pneumatic tourniquet for the upper limb. Varying thicknesses of two commercially-available types of orthopaedic padding (Cellona and Velband) were applied to the arms of 20 volunteers, with three pressure transducers placed directly beneath the padding. A tourniquet was positioned over the padding and inflated to 220 mmHg. Significant reductions in the transmitted pressure were recorded from the transducers with both padding materials. With eight layers of padding, reductions in pressure of 13% (1% to 26%) and 18% (7% to 35%) were seen with Cellona and Velband, respectively. The reduction in pressure with Velband padding correlated with increasing arm circumference (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.711, p < 0.001). Studies to date have examined how arm circumference affects the required tourniquet inflation pressure. Our study is the first to investigate the effect of the padding and the findings suggest that using more than two layers results in a significant reduction in the transmitted pressure.

Can foods with added soya-protein or fish-oil reduce risk factors for coronary disease? A factorial randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To develop functional foods which are capable of reducing key risk factors for coronary heart disease in an at risk population. The specific hypothesis tested here was that providing bread, cracker biscuits and snack bars fortified with DHA (long-chain omega 3) and soya-protein would havd a positive impact on cholesterol and blood pressure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A pragmatic, double-blind, factorial placebo-controlled randomised trial recruiting 213 middle-aged men and women with untreated elevated total cholesterol or blood pressure. The factors examined were the effect of giving supplies of bread, cereal bars and cracker biscuits fortified with 2 g fish oils (DHA, 22: 6n-3), or 25 g soya-protein (containing 50 mg of isoflavonoids) for five weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes included total, low-density and high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Compliance was assessed using biomarkers and food intake histories. DHA enriched foods increased HDL-C by 6.0% (95% CI 2.5%, 9.6%) but had no effect on total or low-density cholesterol or blood pressure. Overall, soya-protein did not influence any of the outcomes assessed. However, in women only, soya-protein increased systolic blood pressure by 5.9% (95% CI 1.73, 9.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding DHA (fish-oils) to staple foods might supplement existing methods to help reduce CVD morbidity and mortality. However, these findings highlight the importance of ensuring that functional foods do not present any harms to particular subgroups within a general population, if they are to be made freely available to consumers. This latter point requires further attention by the research community in relation to soya-protein.

Large outbreak of infection with Escherichia coli O157 PT21/28 in Eccleston, Lancashire, due to cross contamination at a butcher's counter

An outbreak of infection with Escherichia coli O157 Phage Type 21/28 occurred between the 23rd November 2001 and the 7th December 2001 in Eccleston, Lancashire. There were 30 confirmed cases (23 with positive faecal isolates and seven serologically positive). Eccleston is a village of approximately 5,000 inhabitants with a single medical practice where many of the cases were patients. Initial investigations identified the suspected source as a butcher's counter, operated as a franchise, in a supermarket in Eccleston. The butcher closed voluntarily on the 24th November. The median age of cases was 60 with a mean of 56 and a range of 2-91 years. Of the 30 confirmed cases, 22 were admitted to hospital. Two patients developed serious complications but all 30 made a full recovery. Microbiological investigations confirmed the butcher's counter as the source of the outbreak. The epidemiological evidence implicated cooked meats and microbiological evidence confirmed that contamination had occurred between raw and cooked meats. The deficiencies in meat hygiene practice that were identified could have led to the cross contamination. This outbreak illustrates the risk associated with the handling of raw and cooked meats in the same shop. Complete physical separation of raw and cooked meat operations reduces the risk of such outbreaks.