Pulmonary haemodynamics and right ventricular function in cemented vs uncemented total hip arthroplasty-A randomized trial

Durability of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Cementless Stems Without a Collar in Elderly Patients Age 75 Years and Over

BACKGROUND

Cementless femoral fixation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased in prevalence worldwide. However, cementless fixation in elderly patients is controversial due to the risks of periprosthetic fracture and aseptic loosening. This study evaluated outcomes in patients undergoing primary THA utilizing a cementless stem without a collar, comparing those less than 75 years to those older than 75 years.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2021, there were 2,605 cementless THAs performed by 4 surgeons utilizing a highly porous metal fixation surface without a collar and consistent clinical protocols. There were 469 patients who had an age ≥ 75 years. Revision rates, intraoperative fractures, and 90-day mortality were compared between cohorts. In the ≥ 75 year age group, there were more women, more American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification III or IV, a lower body mass index, and more kidney disease, osteoporosis, and thyroid disease (P ≤ .002).

RESULTS

All-cause revision rates trended lower for the ≥75 year age group compared to < 75 year (1.9 versus 3.5%, P = .082) at 20-months of follow-up. Moreover, there was no difference in all-cause femoral component revisions comparing ≥ 75 to < 75 year age groups (1.5 versus 2.2%, P = .375), with only 3 of 10 femoral revisions due to aseptic loosening being in the ≥ 75 year age group. Intraoperative fracture (0.2 versus 0.5%, P = .701) and 90-day mortality (0.2 versus 0.1%, P = .460) did not differ between ≥ 75 and < 75 year age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients had comparable revision rates compared to younger patients using cementless femoral fixation without a collar. Furthermore, there was no difference in 90-day mortality or intraoperative fracture rates. Study findings provide evidence for the safety and durability of cementless THA using collarless femoral stems in elderly patients ≥ 75 years of age.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Ultrasound monitoring to detect embolic phenomena in the inferior vena cava during hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Embolic phenomena frequently occur during hip joint replacement surgery, and may lead to haemodynamic instability in frail patients. Transoesophageal ultrasound monitoring is rarely available in non-cardiac operating theatres, and cannot be performed in awake patients under spinal anaesthesia. The main objectives of this prospective exploratory study were to determine the feasibility of using an alternative ultrasound approach to monitor the inferior vena cava during hip replacement surgery, and to determine the intra and interobserver reliability of the ultrasound findings.

METHOD

We conducted a prospective exploratory study in 20 patients undergoing cemented hip arthroplasty in the supine position under spinal anaesthesia and sedation. The inferior vena cava was assessed through a subcostal window at 10 intraoperative time points, and the findings were rated on a qualitative embolism severity scale. The ultrasound images were evaluated by 2 independent observers.

RESULTS

An adequate subcostal window was obtained in 90% of cases. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was high (kappa index >0.80, p < 0.001). Nearly all (95%) patients presented some degree of embolism, which was severe in 50% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that ultrasound assessment of embolic phenomena in the inferior vena cava through a subcostal window is feasible in 90% of cases. The qualitative embolic severity rating scale is highly reproducible and has high intra- and inter-observer reliability.

Study of the cement implantation syndrome: A review

Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition that manifests during implantation. Characterized by a constellation of symptoms, including hypoxemia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, and occasionally cardiac arrest, BCIS typically ensues shortly after cement introduction, albeit with rare instances of delayed onset. Primarily attributed to the exothermic reaction of bone cement implantation, this syndrome is caused by local tissue damage, histamine and prostaglandin release, and microemboli formation, ultimately triggering a systemic immune response that culminates in respiratory and circulatory failure. The current hypotheses regarding BCIS include embolism, allergic reactions, and cement autotoxicity. BCIS management emphasizes preventative strategies, encompassing meticulous patient risk assessment, comprehensive preoperative and intraoperative evaluations, and precise cement application techniques. Treatment primarily involves symptomatic therapy and life-support measures to address the systemic effects of the syndrome.

Epidemiology of perioperative RV dysfunction: risk factors, incidence, and clinical implications

In this edition of the journal, the Perioperative Quality Initiative (POQI) present three manuscripts describing the physiology, assessment, and management of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) as pertains to the perioperative setting. This narrative review seeks to provide context for these manuscripts, discussing the epidemiology of perioperative RVD focussing on definition, risk factors, and clinical implications. Throughout the perioperative period, there are many potential risk factors/insults predisposing to perioperative RVD including pre-existing RVD, fluid overload, myocardial ischaemia, pulmonary embolism, lung injury, mechanical ventilation, hypoxia and hypercarbia, lung resection, medullary reaming and cement implantation, cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, heart and lung transplantation, and left ventricular assist device implantation. There has however been little systematic attempt to quantify the incidence of perioperative RVD. What limited data exists has assessed perioperative RVD using echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and pulmonary artery catheterisation but is beset by challenges resulting from the inconsistencies in RVD definitions. Alongside differences in patient and surgical risk profile, this leads to wide variation in the incidence estimate. Data concerning the clinical implications of perioperative RVD is even more scarce, though there is evidence to suggest RVD is associated with atrial arrhythmias and prolonged length of critical care stay following thoracic surgery, increased need for inotropic support in revision orthopaedic surgery, and increased critical care requirement and mortality following cardiac surgery. Acute manifestations of RVD result from low cardiac output or systemic venous congestion, which are non-specific to the diagnosis of RVD. As such, RVD is easily overlooked, and the relative contribution of RV dysfunction to postoperative morbidity is likely to be underestimated.We applaud the POQI group for highlighting this important condition. There is undoubtedly a need for further study of the RV in the perioperative period in addition to solutions for perioperative risk prediction and management strategies. There is much to understand, study, and trial in this area, but importantly for our patients, we are increasingly recognising the importance of these uncertainties.

A Radiographic Evaluation of Uncemented Total Hip Replacements and the Role of Uncemented Implants in the Management of Hip Osteoarthritis in the Elderly Population

Introduction The idea of an uncemented, fully coated hydroxyapatite (HA) stem was introduced almost 40 years ago, aiming to achieve a solid biological fixation by preserving natural bone activity. While many studies underline the longevity of uncemented total hip replacement (THR), NHS England's Best Practice Tariff (BPT) recommends using cemented implants in patients over the age of 69, with financial penalties when this policy is not met. At the same time, the 'paradox' of increased use of uncemented implants worldwide has been well described, with many surgeons using them regardless of the age group of the patient. Materials and methods This study focuses on the radiographic evaluation of the uncemented Pinnacle/Corail total hip replacement construct in 123 patients of all age groups who underwent an elective procedure, with a minimum radiographic follow-up of two years. Implant information (collared or non-collared stem), femur type (Dorr classification), age, gender, and revision rate were collected and radiographic analysis of the femoral stem and acetabular component was performed for the immediate post-operative, six-month, one- to two-year follow-up radiograph of all patients. We conducted a statistical analysis, dividing the patients into two groups based on age: those above or below 69 years old. Results There was no statistically significant difference in rates of radiographic lucency after two years with regard to the femoral component. Both collared and non-collared stems seem to perform equally well, with no significant difference detected. However, a statistically significant difference in rates of radiographic lucency of the acetabular cup was noted between the two age groups (p=0.018), with higher rates detected in the under-69-year-old age group. Conclusion This study demonstrates that, radiographically, the uncemented Pinnacle/Corail construct performs equally well in all age groups. In our cohort of patients, the age of the patient did not predict the osseointegration of the implant in the short-term follow-up.

Complications of Hip Hemiarthroplasty

Hip hemiarthroplasty is a commonly performed orthopedic surgery, used to treat proximal femur fractures in the elderly population. Although hip hemiarthroplasty is frequently successful in addressing these injuries, complications can occur. Commonly seen complications include dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, acetabular erosion, and leg-length inequality. Less frequently seen complications include neurovascular injury and capsular interposition. This article presents a comprehensive review of the complications associated with the management of hip hemiarthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):e199-e209.].

The short-term outcomes of cementless stem for hip arthroplasty in the elderly patients: comparison with patients < 65 years

OBJECTIVE

The use of cement or cementless femoral stem prosthesis for hip arthroplasty in elderly patients has been controversial. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of cementless femoral stem in elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years).

METHODS

The short-term efficacy of primary hip arthroplasty with cementless femoral stem in our hospital from January 2014 to June 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to age: young group (< 65 years) and the elder group (≥ 65 years). The evaluation index was the Harris Hip score (Harris), postoperative femoral stem prosthesis sinking distance and femoral plant-related complications (periprosthetic fracture, prosthesis loosening, infection, dislocation, etc.).

RESULTS

There were 72 cases of 86 hips in the young group and 83 cases of 92 hips in the elder group. The recovery trend of functional score in the elder group was similar to that in the young group, and the Harris score increased from (38.35 ± 18.21) before surgery to (86.91 ± 12.55) at last follow-up (p < 0.01). Compared with the two groups at the same time of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation, the sinking distance of the elder group was significantly greater (P < 0.05). Even in the elder group, there was a significant difference in sinking distance between 6 and 3 months after surgery (2.44 ± 0.49 mm vs 2.10 ± 0.65 mm, P = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference between 12 and 6 months (2.53 ± 0.53 mm vs 2.44 ± 0.49 mm, P = 0.40). A total of 10 patients in the elder group and 6 patients in the young group had a complication event (P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with cementless femoral stems can achieve metal-bone integration slightly longer than young patients, but short-term clinical outcomes can be restored to a satisfactory level with adequate safety. However, the long-term efficacy still needs to be verified by multicenter, large sample size and prospective clinical follow-up results.

The Effect of Femoral Fixation on Revision and Mortality Following Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Over the Age of 65 years. An Analysis of the American Joint Replacement Registry

BACKGROUND

With the overwhelming use of cementless femoral fixation for primary total hip arthroplasty in the United States, the associations of stem fixation on the risk of revision and mortality are poorly understood. We evaluated the relationship between femoral fixation and risk of revision and mortality in patients included in the American Joint Replacement Registry.

METHODS

Elective, primary, unilateral total hip arthroplasties in the American Joint Replacement Registry, in patients over the age of 65 years were considered. In total, 9,612 patients with a cemented stem were exact matched 1:1 with patients who received a cementless stem based on age, gender, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Outcomes compared between the groups included need and reason for revision at 90 days and 1 year; in-hospital, 90-day, and 1-year mortality; and mortality after early revision. Covariates were used in linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Cemented fixation was associated with a 37% reduction in the risk of 90-day revision, and a reduction in the risk of revision for periprosthetic fracture of 87% at 90 days and 81% at 1 year. Cemented fixation was associated with increased 90-day and 1-year mortality (odds ratio [OR] 3.15, confidence interval [CI] 2.24-4.43 and OR 2.36, CI 1.86-3.01, respectively). Patients who underwent subsequent revision surgery within the first year exhibited the highest mortality risk (OR 3.23, CI 1.05-9.97).

CONCLUSION

In this representative sample of the United States, 90-day revision for any reason and for periprosthetic fracture was significantly reduced in patients with a cemented stem. This benefit must be weighed against the association with increased mortality and with the high risk of mortality associated with early revision, which was more prevalent with cementless fixation.

Risks and Complications After Arthroplasty for Pathological or Impending Pathological Fracture of the Hip

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for metastatic osseous lesions of the proximal femur include hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) depending on lesion characteristics and patient demographics. Studies assessing short-term outcomes after HA/THA in this patient population are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this present study was to identify short-term rates of morbidity and mortality after HA/THA for pathological proximal femur fractures, as well as readmission and reoperation rates and reasons.

METHODS

This study utilized a large, prospectively collected registry to identify patients who underwent HA/THA between 2011 and 2018. Patients were stratified by indication for surgery, including pathological fracture, nonpathological fracture, and osteoarthritis. Baseline patient characteristics and postoperative complications were compared using bivariate and/or multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 883 patients undergoing HA/THA for a pathological fracture were identified. Relative to an osteoarthritis cohort, these patients tended to be older, had a lower body mass index, and had significantly more preoperative comorbidities. These patients had high rates of total complications (13.93%), including thirty-day mortality (3.29%), unplanned return to the operating room (4.98%), and pulmonary complications (3.85%). Patients with pathological fracture had a longer operative duration relative to osteoarthritis and nonpathological cohorts (+27 and +25 minutes, respectively), despite having high rates of HAs performed.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for pathologic proximal femur fracture have increased morbidity and mortality relative to an osteoarthritis cohort. However, patients with a pathological fracture have similar rates of morbidity and mortality when compared with a nonpathological fracture cohort, but did experience higher rates of perioperative blood transfusion and unplanned readmissions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Postoperative 30-day complications after cemented/hybrid versus cementless total hip arthroplasty in osteoarthritis patients > 70 years

Background and purpose - The use of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients is debated because of increased risk of early periprosthetic femoral fractures. However, cemented femoral components carry a risk of bone cement implantation syndrome. Hence, we compared in-hospital complications, complications leading to readmission and mortality ≤ 30 days postoperatively between hybrid/cemented (cemented femoral component) vs. cementless THA in osteoarthritis patients > 70 years.Patients and methods - This is a prospective observational cohort study in 9 centers from January 2010 to August 2017. We used 30-day follow-up from the Danish National Patient Registry, patient records, and data from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register. Only THAs performed as a result of osteoarthritis were included.Results - 3,368 (42%) of the THAs were cemented/hybrid and 4,728 (58%) cementless. The in-hospital complication risk was 7.7% after cemented/hybrid vs. 5.3% after cementless THA (< 0.001), statistically not significant when adjusting for comorbidities (p = 0.1). There were similar risks of complications causing readmission (5.7% vs. 6.2%) and mortality ≤ 30 days (0.2% vs. 0.3%). 15 cases (0.4%) of pulmonary embolism (PE) were found after cemented/hybrid vs. 4 (0.1%) after cementless THA (p = 0.001); none occurred within 24 hours postoperatively. 2 of the PEs after cementless THA led to mortality. Cemented/hybrid THA remained significantly associated with risk of PE (RR 3.9, p = 0.02), when adjusting for comorbidities. BMI > 35 was associated with highest risk of PE (RR 5.7, p = 0.003). The risk of periprosthetic femoral fracture was 0.2% after cemented/hybrid vs. 1.5% after cementless THA (p < 0.001) and the risk of dislocations was 1.2% after cemented/hybrid THA vs. 1.8% after cementless THA (p = 0.04).Interpretation - The higher risk of PE after cemented/hybrid THA and higher risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures and dislocations after cementless THA highlights that both medically and surgically complications are related to fixation technique and have to be considered.

Inhaled prostacyclin for the prevention of increased pulmonary vascular resistance in cemented hip hemiarthroplasty-A randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Bone cementation may cause pulmonary vasoconstriction and ventilation/perfusion abnormalities in patients undergoing cemented hip hemiarthroplasty. In this randomised trial, we tested the hypothesis that intra-operative inhalation of prostacyclin could attenuate the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI, primary endpoint) when compared to inhaled saline in this group of patients.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with displaced femoral neck fractures were allocated to receive inhaled aerosolised prostacyclin (20 ng/kg/min) (n = 11) or inhaled saline (NaCl, 9 mg/mL) (n = 11). All patients received total intravenous anaesthesia and were catheterised with radial and pulmonary artery fast response thermodilution catheters, for measurements of arterial and pulmonary arterial pressures, cardiac output, right ventricular ejection fraction and effective pulmonary arterial elastance. Haemodynamic measurements were performed after induction of anaesthesia, during surgery before and immediately after bone cementation and prosthesis insertion, 10 and 20 min after insertion and during skin closure.

RESULTS

During the surgical procedure, PVRI increased both in the saline (44%, P < 0.001) and the prostacyclin (36%, P = 0.019) groups, with a less pronounced increase in the prostacyclin group (P = 0.031). Effective pulmonary arterial elastance increased both in the saline (44%, P < 0.001) and the prostacyclin groups (29%, P = 0.032), with a trend for a less pronounced increase in the prostacyclin group (P = 0.084). Right ventricular ejection fraction decreased significantly in both groups with no difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Inhalation of prostacyclin attenuates the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in patients undergoing cemented hip hemiarthroplasty and could potentially attenuate/prevent haemodynamic instability induced by an increase in right ventricular afterload seen in this procedure.