Hemophilic arthropathy of the elbow: prophylaxis, imaging, and the role of invasive management

Hemophilic arthropathy: how to diagnose subclinical bleeding early and how to orthopedically treat a damaged joint

INTRODUCTION

It is important to know the current status of hemophilic arthropathy diagnoses, treatments, complications, and outcomes in developed countries.

AREAS COVERED

A bibliographic search in PubMed for articles published from 1 January 2019 through 12 June 2023 was performed.

EXPERT OPINION

In developed countries with specialized hemophilia treatment centers, primary hematological prophylaxis (started before the age of 2 years and after no more than one joint bleed) has almost completely eliminated the joint-related problems of the disease. The ideal goal of zero hemarthroses can be achieved only with intense and well-dosed prophylaxis: intravenous infusion of coagulation factor - standard half-life or extended half-life; periodic or subcutaneous injections of nonfactor products (emicizumab or fitusiran). However, hemophilic arthropathy continues to occur due to subclinical joint hemorrhages. In one study, 16% of the joints without reported hemarthroses showed signs of previous subclinical bleeding (hemosiderin deposits with/without synovial hypertrophy on magnetic resonance imaging were deemed signs of previous subclinical bleeding), rendering evidence for subclinical bleeding in people with severe hemophilia with lifelong prophylaxis treatment. Subclinical joint hemorrhages can be averted only by employing accurate and tailored prophylaxis.

Postoperative outcomes of total elbow replacement in haemophilic elbow arthropathy: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Total elbow replacement (TER) is a surgical treatment option for haemophilic elbow arthropathy.

AIM

To review the outcomes of TER in haemophilic elbow arthropathy. The primary outcome measures were perioperative blood loss, postoperative complications, revision rates and length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were elbow range of motion (ROM), functional outcome scores and the visual analogue pain scale (VAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane register were searched conforming to the PRISMA guidelines. Only studies with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 1 year were included. Quality appraisal was performed utilizing the MINORS criteria.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-eight articles were identified. Following article screening, only seven studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 51 TERs in 38 patients were performed, with the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis utilized in 51% of cases. The pooled postoperative complication and revision rates were 49% and 29%, respectively. Surgery-related postoperative mortality was 3.9%. The mean preoperative Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) was 43 ± 20 whereas the mean postoperative MEPS was 89 ± 6. Mean preoperative VAS was 7.2 ± 1.9 while the mean postoperative VAS was 2.0 ± 1.4. Mean preoperative and postoperative elbow flexion arcs were 54 ± 15 and 91 ± 10 degrees, respectively. Mean preoperative and postoperative forearm rotation arcs were 86 ± 40 and 135 ± 19 degrees, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TER for haemophilic elbow arthropathy provides good to excellent improvements in pain and elbow ROM postoperatively. However, the overall complication and revision rates are relatively high, when compared to TER performed for other indications.

Teleguidance for Patient Self-Imaging of Hemophilic Joints Using Mobile Ultrasound Devices: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Teleguidance on portable devices opens the possibility of joint self-imaging in persons with hemophilia (PWH).

AIMS

Determine the feasibility of patient self-imaging with/without teleguidance.

METHODS

Adult PWH received ultrasound teaching including 11 views for hemarthrosis detection in ankles, elbows, and knees. The patients acquired five randomly selected views with the Butterfly/IQ probe without assistance at 2, 6-8 weeks, and 3-4 months later, followed by teleguidance. Image acquisition was timed, patients identified anatomic landmarks, and image quality was graded. Questionnaires assessed the imaging experience. Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) indicated arthropathy status.

RESULTS

Of 132 PWH, 10 (median age 52 years) opted for study inclusion. Most had severe Hemophilia A, were white/non-Hispanic, with at least a high school degree and, overall, similar to the other 122 PWH. At 2 and 6 weeks after training, ~80% images were acquired correctly compared with 53% at 12 weeks. Accuracy of landmark recognition was ~55%. With teleguidance, all images were acquired correctly, with near-perfect image quality (P ≤ .01 compared with the 3-4 month time point). Median HJHS of scanned joints was 11.5 at each time point, demonstrating a similar spectrum of arthropathic changes. Median time of image acquisition was fast, and similar with or without teleguidance (median 01:04 [mm:ss] vs median 01:02), but differed slightly between arthropathic and non-arthropathic joints. Study participants and the imaging facilitator rated that it was easy to navigate mobile technology and acquire images with teleguidance.

CONCLUSION

Mobile ultrasound with teleguidance for joint self-imaging is feasible and warrants further exploration.

Value of 3.0T MRI T2 mapping combined with SWI for the assessment of early lesions in hemophilic arthropathy

PURPOSE

To explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping combined with susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in detecting early cartilage damage and joint bleeding in the hemophilic arthropathy (HA).

METHODS

147 patients and 56 healthy controls were prospectively recruited. The knees were divided into groups A and B according to the criteria of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). The Regions of Interest (ROIs) of T2 mapping were drawn for the patella, lateral and medial femoral condyle, and lateral and medial tibial condyle. The T2 values were compared between the patients and control group using one-way ANOVA. The joint count data of International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG) scores of conventional and SWI sequences were statistically described using the composition ratio, and the rank sum test was used for the difference analysis.

RESULTS

Finally, there were 99 joints in the control group, 135 knees in group A, and 94 knees in group B. There was a significant difference between the T2 value in each subgroup. Comparison of T2 value groups in each cartilage partition, except for group A and group B of the patella, revealed significant differences (all P<0.05). SWI was likely more sensitive than conventional sequences in detecting hemosiderin deposits in hemophilic joints. In addition, the IPSG scores detected by the SWI were generally higher than those of conventional sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

MR T2 mapping combined with SWI has great potential to be used for detecting early cartilage damage and micro-hemosiderin deposition in hemophiliac arthropathies and developing preventative treatment plans.

Short‐term Effectiveness of a Modified Osteotomy for Total Elbow Joint Replacement in Patients of Hemophilic Elbow Arthritis with Severe Flexion Contracture Deformity: A Three‐Cases Series Report

Objective

To report the modified osteotomy and the short‐term effectiveness of the total elbow joint replacement in patients of hemophilic elbow arthritis with severe flexion contracture deformity.

Methods

This study introduced the therapeutic approach of the total elbow joint replacement in patients of hemophilic elbow arthritis with severe flexion contracture deformity, and assessed the short‐term effectiveness in three cases (three elbows) of end‐stage hemophilic elbow arthritis admitted from October 2020 to December 2020. The included patients were all diagnosed with hemophilia A (factor VII deficiency), accompanied by severe bilateral elbow joint flexion contracture, which seriously affects daily life and requires surgical intervention. Clinical data and follow‐up results were analyzed before total elbow arthroplasty and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Pre‐ and postoperative range of motion, pain score, and function score were compared, and intraoperative and postoperative complications are reported.

Results

All three patients were male, with an average age of 31 years. The main clinical manifestations were bilateral elbow arthritis with flexion contracture. Two of the patients underwent right elbow replacement, and one patient underwent left elbow replacement. All cases were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. No incision infection or ulnar nerve injury occurred. Postoperative triceps brachii muscle strength was slightly weakened compared with preoperative muscle strength. Average elbow flexion and extension range of motion was 60° (30°–100°) preoperatively and increased to 127° (110°–140°) postoperatively; rotational range of motion of the affected forearm was 47° (10°–85°) preoperatively and increased to 117° postoperatively. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6 (5–8) preoperatively and decreased to 3 (2–4) postoperatively. The mean MEPS score was 62 (55–75) and increased to 87 (80–95) postoperatively. During the follow‐up, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed no signs of prosthesis loosening in the elbow.

Conclusions

For severe hemophilic elbow arthritis patients, the short‐term treatment effect of total elbow replacement is good, following the strict adherence to the surgical indications and proper preparation for the perioperative period. The modified osteotomy can fully expose the visual field and reduce complications of ulnar nerve injury. The long‐term effects need to be study future.

Hemophilic arthropathy: a teaching approach devoted to hemophilia treaters in under-development countries

INTRODUCTION

Arthropathy is the characteristic injury of hemophilia, primarily occurring in the elbows, knees, and ankles. The aim of this review is a teaching approach devoted to hemophilia treaters in under-development countries.

AREAS COVERED

Current major challenges include the absence of the following therapeutic tools for all people with hemophilia (PWH) worldwide: hematological prophylaxis; well-coordinated multidisciplinary teams in specialized centers; joint aspiration of acute hemarthrosis; point-of-care ultrasonography (POC-US); exercise; treatment of synovitis by means of radiosynovectomy; treatment of mild hemophilic arthropathy with analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, and rehabilitation medicine; intra-articular injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and mesenchymal stem cells; and treatment of severe hemophilic arthropathy by surgical treatment. The future scenario in under-development countries should include all the aforementioned treatment tools plus the possibility of performing total joint arthroplasty in PWH with inhibitors; concomitant use of bypassing agents with emicizumab for PWH with inhibitors undergoing orthopedic surgery; and telemedicine.

EXPERT OPINION

Primary hematological prophylaxis is now the gold standard for the management of hemophilia. Acute hemarthrosis needs intense hematological management and articular aspiration; the articular situation should be scrutinized by POC-US. Synovitis can be controlled by radiosynovectomy. In cases of severe articular degeneration, surgical procedures might be required.

Intravenous tranexamic acid reduce postoperative drainage and pain after open elbow arthrolysis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Open elbow arthrolysis (OEA), which has become an established treatment for post-traumatic elbow stiffness (PTES), requires complete release of contracture tissue and wide excision of ectopic bone, which results in extensive bleeding. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) on postoperative drainage, calculated blood loss, and early clinical outcomes in patients undergoing OEA.

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial including 96 patients undergoing OEA was undertaken. Patients received intravenously either 100 mL saline (placebo group, n = 48), or 100 mL saline plus 1 g TXA (TXA group, n = 48) before skin incision. The primary outcome was the drainage volume on postoperative days (PODs) 1-3. Secondary outcomes included the calculated blood loss, elbow pain score measured by visual analog scale (VAS), elbow function valued by Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and rate of complications after OEA.

RESULTS

Mean total postoperative drainage volume (TXA group: 182 mL vs. placebo group: 214 mL, P = .003) and mean calculated total blood loss (TXA group: 582 mL vs. placebo group: 657 mL, P = .004) were significantly lower in the TXA group. No transfusions were necessary in either group. Mean VAS pain scores in elbow motion showed marked differences between both groups on POD 1 (TXA: 5 vs. placebo: 6, P = .003) and POD 2 (TXA: 4 vs. placebo: 5, P = .023) but not in other postoperative time points. No differences were detected in complications, such as pin-related infection, hematoma, new or exacerbation of ulnar nerve symptoms, and recurrent heterotopic ossification. At the 6-month follow-up, no statistical differences were found between the 2 groups with respect to the elbow functions including range of motion, VAS score, and MEPS.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous administration of TXA significantly decreased the postoperative drainage volume and the total estimated blood loss and alleviated the elbow pain with motion during early postoperative days in patients undergoing OEA.

Retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological profile of few cases of synovial osteochondromatosis with a literature review

Synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) is a rare benign neoplasm. It is caused by the metaplasia of the synovium into the bone. The knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and ankle are the common sites. Our objective was to retrospectively assess the clinical and radiological features of a few cases of SOC resembling some rheumatological conditions and describe it along with a literature review. A retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological features of a few cases of SOC mimicking some rheumatological conditions was performed. There were 4 cases: 3 adult men and a young boy. Three cases presented in the elbow and 1 case in the hip. There was a case mimicking osteoarthritis of the elbow in a young individual, another case presented like myositis ossificans of the elbow, and another case was similar to neuropathic arthritis of the elbow. The case in the hip presented as painful limping in the child. SOC can sometimes mimic various conditions affecting the synovial joints. A careful evaluation of the clinical and radiological features can be helpful in the correct diagnosis.

Complications of hemophilia in the elbow: current management

INTRODUCTION

After the ankle and knee, the elbow is the most commonly impaired joint in patients with hemophilia.

AREAS COVERED

A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search related to elbow problems in hemophilia was conducted. Early and continuous primary hematological prophylaxis (ideally starting in infancy) is essential, given that the juvenile elbow is highly prone to the musculoskeletal complications of hemophilia. If primary hematological prophylaxis is not administered (due either to lack of affordability or lack of venous access), persistent hemarthrosis can occur in the elbow. Hemarthroses will then require aggressive treatment (through arthrocentesis under factor factor coverage) to prevent progression to synovitis (requiring prompt radiosynovectomy or arthroscopic synovectomy) and ultimately hemophilic arthropathy (requiring rehabilitation and orthopedic surgery). Between the second and fourth decade of life, many patients with hemophilia present elbow joint destruction.

EXPERT OPINION

In the initial stage of joint destruction, rehabilitation and intraarticular injections of hyaluronic acid can relieve the symptoms. In the advanced stage of hemophilic arthropathy, however, surgery is necessary. The main surgical procedures currently available are arthroscopic debridement, radial head resection, and total elbow arthroplasty. Transposition of the ulnar nerve and removal of heterotopic ossifications might also be necessary.

Multislice spiral computed tomography imaging in evaluating hemophilic arthropathy

BACKGROUND

Certain hemophilia patients are unable to cooperate with or afford magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. The purpose of our study was to explore the value of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in evaluating hemophilic arthropathy (HA).

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients with 73 joints of HA were consecutively selected from January 2016 to May 2018 for this prospective study. All 73 joints were examined by X-ray, CT, and MRI within 2 days. The MRI scores of the joints were determined by the International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG) standard. The CT findings were quantified according to the IPSG standard, except for cartilage injury, which was quantified by joint space narrowing using the X-ray Pettersson score. The CT and MRI scores were compared by the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The correlations between the CT score of joint space narrowing and MRI score of cartilage injury and the total CT and MRI scores were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. The kappa test was used to compare the consistency of CT and MRI scores.

RESULTS

MRI was superior to CT based on the scores for small amount of effusion (P < 0.05), synovial hypertrophy and hemosiderin deposition in the mild groups (P < 0.05). The CT and MRI scores were not significantly different for moderate and massive effusion, synovial hypertrophy, and hemosiderin deposition in the moderate and severe groups, bone erosion or cystic changes (P > 0.05), and there was a high degree of consistency between the two scores (kappa > 0.81). The consistency between the Pettersson scores of joint space narrowing on CT and the IPSG scores of cartilage injury on MRI was high (kappa = 0. 774, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The image scores of MSCT are generally consistent with MRI except for mild synovitis, which can be used as an alternative for the evaluation of HA.

Infected tooth extraction, bone grafting, immediate implant placement and immediate temporary crown insertion in a patient with severe type-B hemophilia

Haemorrhagic disorders combined with soft tissue inflammation and infection may lead to severe bleeding complications before, during or after dental treatment. In selected cases, a combined therapeutic approach involving clinical therapies and systemic and local medication could improve the treatment outcomes and the patient's quality of life. This clinical case report, presents for the first time a successful combined approach, completed in a 38-year-old male patient with severe type-B haemophilia in which an infected tooth was extracted, an immediate implant was inserted, bone grafting was performed and early implant loading was successfully applied. In addition to the clinical therapy, medication was provided orally, systemically and locally, thus preventing the haemorrhagic complications and improving the patient's quality of life.

Evaluation of early musculoskeletal disease in patients with haemophilia: results from an expert consensus

: Early joint damage in patients with haemarthrosis often escapes diagnosis because of insufficient investigation of biomechanical changes. Arthropathy in haemophilia requires complex assessment with several tools. Considering the increased emphasis on an integrated approach to musculoskeletal (MSK) outcomes, re-evaluation of MSK assessment to address individual patient needs is warranted. To advise on the optimal use of current assessment tools and strategies for tailored MSK evaluation in patients with haemophilia. A panel of experts in haemophilic arthropathy evaluated internationally recognized assessment tools through published literature and personal expertise. Each tool was considered, scored and ranked for their utility in the clinical assessment of MSK damage. Subsequently, a patient evaluation table detailing advice on type and frequency of assessments for different patient populations was constructed. To obtain a complete MSK assessment, multiple tools must be used to ensure each criterion is evaluated. For patients with haemophilia, clinical examination of the joint, disease-specific structure/function scores, and activity/participation scores including quality of life are important, and should be performed on a regular basis according to age and clinical condition. Joint imaging is recommended in the prevention, diagnosis and follow-up of haemophilic arthropathy and should be used in conjunction with joint structure and function scores. An integrated approach to MSK assessment using combinations of tools will allow earlier management of dysfunction and may improve long-term outcomes. This approach could be used in long-term follow-up of all patients independent of age and disease stage, especially in children to prevent arthropathy.

Contribution of 3-T Susceptibility-Weighted MRI to Detection of Intraarticular Hemosiderin Accumulation in Patients With Hemophilia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of 3-T susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for detecting intraarticular hemosiderin accumulation in patients with hemophilia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Forty-one joints in 24 patients with hemophilia were imaged with conventional MRI and SWI sequences. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists and one general radiologist (reader 3) interpreted the images for hemosiderin accumulation. The final decision was determined in consensus by readers 1 and 2 using both conventional MRI and SWI sequences. The diagnostic consistencies of each MRI sequence with the reference and pairwise agreements between interpreters were assessed.

RESULTS

For conventional MRI sequences, the diagnostic consistencies of the two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists with the reference were substantial (κ = 0.63 and 0.62), whereas the consistency of the general radiologist with the reference was moderate (κ = 0.47). The SWI interpretations of all readers had almost perfect agreement with the reference (κ = 1, κ = 1, κ = 0.97). Interobserver agreement also improved at SWI interpretations.

CONCLUSION

SWI contributes to more accurate grading of intraarticular hemosiderin accumulation than is achieved with conventional MRI sequences.

Partnering to change the world for people with haemophilia: 7th Haemophilia Global Summit, Madrid, Spain 22-24 September 2016

The 7th Haemophilia Global Summit was held in Madrid, Spain, in September 2016. With a programme designed, for the 6th consecutive year, by a Scientific Steering Committee of haemophilia experts, the aim of the summit was to share optimal management strategies for haemophilia at all life stages and to provide an opportunity for specialists from across the haemophilia multidisciplinary care team to engage in discussion and debate with leading international experts on current and future areas of research. Topics covered ranged from the optimisation of haemophilia management, emerging issues in clinical care, practical approaches and future perspectives, in addition to patient engagement and empowerment in modern haemophilia care.