Use of Dual Mobility Acetabular Component and Anterior Approach in Patients With Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture

No benefit of direct anterior over posterolateral approach in total hip arthroplasty using dual-mobility acetabular component for femoral neck fracture

Aims

Dual-mobility acetabular components (DMCs) have improved total hip arthroplasty (THA) stability in femoral neck fractures (FNFs). In osteoarthritis, the direct anterior approach (DAA) has been promoted for improving early functional results compared with the posterolateral approach (PLA). The aim of this study was to compare these two approaches in FNF using DMC-THA.

Methods

A prospective continuous cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing operation for FNF using DMC by DAA or PLA. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Parker score at three months and one year. Perioperative complications were recorded, and radiological component positioning evaluated.

Results

There were 50 patients in the DAA group and 54 in the PLA group. The mean HHS was 85.5 (SD 8.8) for the DAA group and 81.8 (SD 11.9) for the PLA group (p = 0.064). In all, 35 patients in the DAA group and 40 in the PLA group returned to their pre-fracture Parker score (p = 0.641) in both groups. No statistically significant differences between groups were found at one year regarding these two scores (p = 0.062 and p = 0.723, respectively). The DAA was associated with more intraoperative complications (p = 0.013). There was one dislocation in each group, and four revisions for DAA and one for PLA, but this difference was not statistically significant. There were also no significant differences regarding blood loss, length of stay, or operating time.

Conclusion

In DMC-THA for FNF, DAA did not achieve better functional results than PLA, either at three months or at one year. Moreover, DAA presented an increased risk of intra-operative complications.

Non-metastatic hip fractures surgery in patients with active cancer: benefit and risk

PURPOSE

Although rare, non-metastatic proximal femoral fracture (PFF) can develop in patients with active cancer. However, little data are available regarding the risks and benefits of surgical treatment in such patients. The purpose of his study was to investigate the risks and benefits of surgical treatment of PFF in patients with and without cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the medical records of all patients treated for PFF, excluding those with pathological fracture, at our hospital from July 2013 to December 2020. The patients were divided into two groups; The active cancer group and the standard group. We investigated in both groups about surgical and medical complications during the perioperative period, walking ability two weeks postoperatively, and one-year postoperative mortality rate.

RESULT

After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 patients in the active cancer group and 331 patients in the standard group were finally investigated. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The complication rate did not appear statistical significance between two groups (16.7% in active cancer group vs 10.7% in standard group: p = 0.272). Walking ability was also similar in two groups. Mortality rate at one year was significantly higher in the active cancer group. (41.2% in active cancer group vs 6.0% in standard group: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although the active cancer group had a higher mortality rate at one year, which was influenced by the prognosis of the cancer, the benefits of surgical intervention, such as regaining walking ability, were the same in patients with and without active cancer.

Recent advances in the direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty: a surgeon's perspective

INTRODUCTION

The direct anterior approach (DAA) has its origins in the first and oldest approach for hip replacement in the literature, but at the same time it would not be fanciful to suggest its increasing popularity as the latest approach for hip replacement procedures, especially among younger surgeons. However, in a geographical context, the DAA is not considered the major approach in most countries. Moreover, the term DAA encompasses numerous variations in terms of technique.

AREAS COVERED

In this narrative review, we describe our recent experience of advances in the DAA in terms of improved techniques and devices, along with some of its disadvantages. Also, we express our perspective on its future application.

EXPERT OPINIONS

The DAA is established as one of exemplary approaches to THA. The use of fluoroscopy, the traction table, and appropriate soft tissue management has become essential in the DAA for a safe and trouble-free procedure with adequate patient comfort. With the combination of recent technologies such as robotics, three-dimensional preoperative planning, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based surgeon assist systems, we can look forward to the DAA being performed more efficiently in the future.

Effect of Postoperative Non-Weight-Bearing in Trochanteric Fracture of the Femur: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Propensity Score Matching

Introduction

The effects of postoperative early weight-bearing (WB) on walking ability, muscle mass, and sarcopenia have been investigated. Postoperative WB restriction is also reportedly associated with pneumonia and prolonged hospitalization; however, its effect on surgical failures has not been studied. This study aimed to assess whether WB restriction after surgery for trochanteric fracture of the femur (TFF) is useful in preventing surgical failure, considering the unstable fracture type, quality of intraoperative reduction, and tip-apex distance.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective analysis included 301 patients admitted to a single institution between January 2010 and December 2021, diagnosed with TFF, and who underwent femoral nail surgery. Eight patients were excluded, and finally 293 patients were included in the study. Propensity score (PS) matching yielded 123 cases; 41 patients in the non-WB (NWB) group and 82 patients in the WB group were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was surgical failure (cutout, nonunion, osteonecrosis, and implant failure). The secondary outcomes were medical complications (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, stroke, and heart failure), change in walking ability, period of hospitalization, and sliding distance of the lag screw.

Results

Five surgical complications occurred in the NWB group and two in the WB group, with significantly more surgical complications in the NWB group (P = .041). Cutout occurred in two cases, each in the NWB and WB groups. Two cases of nonunion and one case of implant failure occurred in the NWB group, but not in the WB group. Osteonecrosis did not occur in both groups. The secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The results of this retrospective cohort study using a PS matching approach showed that WB restriction after TFF surgery could not decrease the incidence of surgical failures.

Similar Outcomes Achieved Between Anterior and Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Dual Mobility Implants

BACKGROUND

Dual mobility (DM) bearings for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been proposed to reduce the risk of instability in high-risk patients; however, their utility in primary THA remains relatively unexplored. No previous reports have described whether surgical approach influences outcomes associated with DM implant systems. This study aims to compare patient reported outcomes and post-operative groin pain between patients undergoing anterior approach versus posterior approach following primary THA with DM implants.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary THA and received a DM implant between 2011-2021. Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on surgical approach (anterior vs. posterior approach). Primary outcomes included the presence of substantial postoperative groin pain as well as readmission and revision rates. Demographic differences were assessed using chi-square and independent sample t-tests. Outcomes were compared using multilinear and logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Of the 495 patients identified, 55 (11%) underwent THA via the anterior approach and 440 (89%) via the posterior approach. Surgical time (100.24 vs. 109.42 minutes, p=0.070), length of stay (2.19vs.2.67 days,p=0.072), discharge disposition (p=0.151), and significant postoperative groin pain (1.8%vs.0.7%,p=0.966) did not statistically differ between the cohorts. 90-day readmission (9.1%vs.7.7%,p=0.823) and revision rate (0.0%vs.3.0%,p=0.993) did not significantly differ as well. Specifically, readmission (p=0.993) and revision (p=0.998) for instability did not significantly differ between the cohorts. We found no statistical difference in HOOS, JR (p=0.425), VR-12 PCS (p=0.718), and VR-12 MCS (p=0.257) delta score improvement from preoperative to 1-year follow-up between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Comparable outcomes following implantation of DM constructs may be achievable irrespective of the surgical approach employed. The incidence of iliopsoas injections for groin pain did not significantly differ between anterior and posterior approaches. Future investigation is needed to determine whether surgical approach influences long-term outcomes in patients receiving DM implants. Level of Evidence: III.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for Femoral Neck Fractures: Comparison between Standard and Dual Mobility Implants

The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the short-term clinical and radiological results between standard and dual mobility THA for femoral neck fractures (FNF) in older patients. The hypothesis is that the dual mobility cup (DMC) has the same outcomes but a lower dislocation rate than the standard THA. The study population included 56 patients (mean age 77.7 years, range 71–85) that underwent THA for displaced FNF. Patients were divided in two comparable groups for baseline characteristics (age, sex and comorbidities): 28 patients underwent THA with a standard cup (SC) and 28 THA with DMCs. The clinical records and radiograms were reviewed to search relevant data in their postoperative history. Two postoperative dislocations occurred in the SC group and none in the DMC group. At an average follow up of 23 months (12–40), 48 patients were available for the final evaluation. The WOMAC score for all patients averaged 6.26 (0–46) and was slightly better in the DMC group (4.94 vs. 7.58; p-value = 0.41); scores were significantly better in presence of neurological comorbidities (p-value = 0.04), in the absence of diabetes (p-value = 0.04) and in the case of psychiatric disorders (p-value = 0.02). Radiographic evaluation at one year showed signs of osteointegration in 42/48 (87.5%) acetabular components (20 DMCs, 22 SC). According to our experience, DMCs proved to be a valid option for the treatment of displaced FNF in older patients, since it allowed them to achieve short-term outcomes comparable to conventional THA, while decreasing the incidence of postoperative dislocations.