Multidisciplinary team meeting for complex bone and joint infections diagnosis: The PHICTOS study

BACKGROUND

In France, the most severe bone and joint infections (BJI), called "complex" (CBJI), are assessed in a multidisciplinary team meeting (MTM) in a reference center. However, the definition of CBJI, drawn up by the Health Ministry, is not consensual between physicians. The objective was to estimate the agreement for CBJI classification.

METHODS

Initially, five experts from one MTM classified twice, one-month apart, 24 cases as non-BJI, simple BJI or CBJI, using the complete medical record. Secondly, six MTMs classified the same cases using standardized information. Agreements were estimated using Fleiss and Cohen kappa (κ) coefficients.

RESULTS

Inter-expert agreement during one MTM was moderate (κ=0.49), and fair (κ=0.23) when the four non-BJIs were excluded. Intra-expert agreement was moderate (κ=0.50, range 0.27-0.90), not improved with experience. The overall inter-MTM agreement was moderate (κ=0.58), it was better between MTMs with professor (κ=0.65) than without (κ=0.51) and with longer median time per case (κ=0.60) than shorter (κ=0.47). When the four non-BJIs were excluded, the overall agreement decreased (κ=0.40).

CONCLUSION

The first step confirmed the heterogeneity of CBJI classification between experts. The seemingly better inter-MTM than inter-expert agreement could be an argument in favour of MTMs, which are moreover a privileged place to enhance expertise. Further studies are needed to assess these results as well as the quality of care and medico-economic outcomes after a MTM.

Key features of bone and joint infections following the implementation of reference centers in France

OBJECTIVES

French reference centers for bone and joint infections (BJI) were implemented from 2009 onwards to improve the management of complex BJIs. This study compared BJI burden before and after the implementation of these reference centers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

BJI hospital stays were selected from the 2008 and 2013 national hospital discharge database using a validated algorithm, adding the new complex BJI code created in 2011. Epidemiology and economic burden were assessed.

RESULTS

BJI prevalence increased in 2013 (70 vs. 54/100,000 in 2008). Characteristics of BJI remained similar between 2008 and 2013: septic arthritis (50%), increasing prevalence with age and sex, case fatality 5%, mean length of stay 17.5 days, rehospitalization 20%. However, device-associated BJIs increased (34 vs. 26%) as well as costs (€421 million vs. €259 in 2008). Similar device-associated BJI characteristics between 2008 and 2013 were: septic arthritis (70%), case fatality (3%), but with more hospitalizations in reference centers (34 vs. 30%) and a higher cost per stay. Among the 7% of coded complex BJIs, the mean length of stay was 22.2 days and mean cost was €11,960.

CONCLUSIONS

BJI prevalence highly increased in France. Complex BJI prevalence assessment is complicated by the absence of clinical consensus and probable undercoding. A validation of clinical case definition of complex BJI is required.

Epidemiology of malpractice claims in the orthopedic and trauma surgery department of a French teaching hospital: A 10-year retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Orthopedic and trauma surgery is the specialty for which claims for compensation are most often filed. Little data exists on the subject in France, especially in a teaching hospital. We conducted a retrospective study aimed at (1) identifying the epidemiological characteristics of patients filing claims against the orthopedic surgery and traumatology department of a teaching hospital in France, (2) analyzing the surgical procedures involved, the type of legal proceedings, and the financial consequences.

HYPOTHESIS

The epidemiological profile of proceedings seeking damages in France is consistent with the data from European and American studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational, retrospective, single-center study of all claims for damages between 2007 and 2016 involving the orthopedic and trauma surgery department of a teaching hospital was carried out. Patients' epidemiological data, the surgical procedure, type of legal proceeding, and financial consequences were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 51,582 surgical procedures performed, 71 claims (0.0014%) were analyzed (i.e., 1/726 procedures). A significant increase in the number of cases (p=0.040) was found over a 10-year period. Of these, 36/71 (53.7%) were submitted to the French regional conciliation and compensation commission (CRCI), 23/71 (32.8%) were filed with the administrative court, and 12/71 (13.4%) were submitted for an amicable settlement. The most common reason for which patients filed claims was hospital-acquired infections, with 36/71 (50.7%) cases. Twenty-nine complaints (40.8%) resulted in monetary damages being awarded to the patient, with an average award of € 28,301 (€ 2,400-299,508). Damage awards were significantly higher (p<0.05) for cases involving surgery on a lower limb than those involving an upper limb.

CONCLUSION

Claims against orthopedic surgeons have been increasing significantly over the last 10 years. Although rare, they represent a significant cost to society. Hospital-acquired infections are the main reason for disputes in our specialization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Dual mobility cup in revision total hip arthroplasty: dislocation rate and survival after 5 years

BACKGROUND

Dislocation is a common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly when performed as revision surgery. Dual mobility cups (DMCs) minimize the risk of instability when implanted during primary THA. However, their usefulness and survival in revision THA remain unclear. We therefore conducted a retrospective study to assess DMC stability and survival at a minimal follow-up period of 5years after revision THA.

HYPOTHESIS

The dislocation rate associated with DMCs for revision THA is similar to that seen after primary THA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cup exchange with implantation of a DMC was performed in 71 patients (74 hips) between 2000 and 2007, for the following reasons: recurrent dislocation (n=22), aseptic loosening (n=38), and infection (n=14). The DMCs were cemented in 47 cases and cementless in 27 cases. The clinical variables (Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score and Harris Hip Score) and radiological findings were collected retrospectively from the medical records and compared with those obtained at the last follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Of the 74 cases, 2 were lost to follow-up. At last follow-up, the mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score was 15.2 (11-18) and the mean Harris Hip Score was 80.4 (51-98). Of the 8 failures, 2 (2/72, 2.7%) were related to mechanical factors (1 case each of aseptic loosening and dislocation) and 6 were changed because of infection (recurrent infection, n=4). Mechanical failure was not linked to a specific reason for revision THA. A radiolucent line was visible in 4 cases but this finding was not associated with clinical manifestations. When failure was defined as cup revision for any non-infectious complication, 5-year implant survival was 99% (95% confidence interval, 93-100%).

DISCUSSION

Use of a DMC in revision THA was associated with a slightly higher dislocation rate (1/72, 1.4%) than in primary THA, whereas 5-year survival was comparable. Cemented DMCs were not associated with a greater risk of loosening.

CONCLUSION

DMCs are useful to decrease the risk of dislocation in revision THA performed for any reason. The low rate of loosening indicates that DMCs do not result in high stresses at the bone-implant interface.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Chronic pain 1 year after foot surgery: Epidemiology and associated factors

BACKGROUND

Most studies of chronic postoperative pain focussed on major surgical procedures. Chronic postoperative pain occurred in 10% to 50% of patients and exhibited neuropathic features in 5% to 68% of cases. The objectives of this prospective single-centre study were to determine the rates of occurrence and associated factors of any chronic pain and of neuropathic chronic pain 1 year after orthopaedic surgery on the foot.

METHODS

We included consecutive patients who underwent scheduled orthopaedic surgery on the foot or ankle at a university hospital centre between 2009 and 2011. All patients received a multimodal analgesia regimen that usually combined a continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block, paracetamol, and ketoprofen, with additional ketamine if deemed appropriate. A telephone interview was conducted 1 year after the surgical procedure. The main outcome measures were moderate-to-severe pain (numerical rating scale score>3/10) 1 year after surgery at rest and during walking, and presence of neuropathic pain (defined using the DN2 score). Multivariate analysis was performed to look for associations of various perioperative clinical variables with pain.

RESULTS

One year after surgery, 55 of 260 (21%) patients reported moderate-to-severe pain at rest, 111 (43%) moderate-to-severe pain during walking, and 9 (3%) neuropathic pain. By multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with moderate-to-severe pain at rest and/or during walking 1 year after surgery were moderate-to-severe pain during the first postoperative night (P=0.048) and/or day (P=0.043) and revision surgery (P=0.001).

DISCUSSION

The rate of occurrence of moderate-to-severe pain 1 year after orthopaedic foot surgery is similar to that seen after major surgical procedures, whereas neuropathic pain seems rare. Orthopaedic surgery on the ankle or hindfoot is not more likely to be followed by chronic pain compared to surgery for hallux valgus or toe abnormalities. There is some evidence that earlier surgery might be beneficial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, prospective observational longitudinal cohort study.

Cementless RM Pressfit Cup: a clinical and radiological study of 91 cases with at least four years follow-up

Cementless metal-back acetabular cups have good long-term results, but some problems have appeared due to the shell's stiffness, modularity and required bearing surfaces. The RM Pressfit Cup is a single-piece polyethylene cementless acetabular cup that is covered by a thin layer of titanium. This allows for bone integration without limitations related to the stiffness of a metal-back shell. There is very little published information about this new, innovative implant design. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results from a continuous series of 91 cups (85 patients) with a follow-up of at least 4 years. No patients were lost to follow-up. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to assess the clinical outcome. To assess the radiological outcomes, digital X-rays were used to evaluate the cup position and integration; wear was measured using Livermore's technique. The clinical results were excellent: the mean HHS was 94 and 82% of cases had good or excellent scores. Three of the cups had to be revised because of dislocation brought on by incorrect positioning. X-rays revealed that three implants had shifted during the first 6 weeks, but had stabilized afterwards. Bone integration on X-rays was satisfactory in all cases with no signs of osteolysis. The configuration of the bone trabeculae showed that loads between the implant and peri-acetabular cancellous bone were evenly distributed. The wear of the polyethylene cup-ceramic head bearing was 0.07 mm/year. The results of this series are consistent with recent published studies with the RM Pressfit Cup.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Outcomes at least 10 years after cemented PF® (Zimmer) total hip arthroplasty: 83 cases

INTRODUCTION

Cementless total hip arthroplasty (TKA) is gaining ground over cemented TKA. The objective of this study was to assess survival rates of a cemented THA implant (PF(®), Zimmer), after at least 10 years and to assess changes in acetabular bone structure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-three ceramic-on-polyethylene THA prostheses were implanted between 1998 and 2001. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score and Postel Merle d'Aubigné score. For each hip, radiographs were examined for acetabular radiolucent lines, geodes, and granulomas; in addition, changes in bone structure and trabeculae were assessed comparatively to the other hip and classified from no change to severe osteolysis. Changes in trabeculae served to assess the loads applied to the bone. Polyethylene wear was assessed using the Livermore method.

RESULTS

A single patient was lost to follow-up. At last follow-up, 16 patients had died and six were contacted and had not required revision surgery; the remaining 52 patients (59 THAs) were re-evaluated and none had evidence of loosening. The Harris hip score at last evaluation was 91.6 compared to 60.5 preoperatively. No hips had evidence of acetabular osteolysis. For two hips, the radiographs showed complete acetabular radiolucent lines less than 2mm in width, with no mobilisation. Trabecular distribution was homogeneous with no stress shielding. Mean annual rate of wear was 0.08mm. No instances of femoral component loosening were recorded; granulomas involving no more than five Gruën zones were seen in three cases.

DISCUSSION

This study confirms the reliability of cemented THA, with a 12-year survival rate of 98.3%, in keeping with earlier data. Thus, our results establish that cemented ceramic-on-polyethylene prostheses remain valid options for THA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.