Does Using Highly Porous Tantalum in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduce the Rate of Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Studies suggest tantalum (Ta) implants may have inherent antibacterial properties. However, there is no consensus regarding the effectiveness of Ta in preventing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA).

Methods

We searched 5 main databases for articles reporting the rate of PJI following rTHA using Ta implants from inception to February 2022. The PJI rates of the Ta group were meta-analyzed, compared with the control group, and represented as relative risks (RRs) in forest plots.

Results

We identified 67 eligible studies (28,414 joints) for assessing the prevalence of PJI following rTHA using Ta implants. Among these studies, only 9 compared the Ta implant group with a control group. The overall PJI rate following rTHA using Ta implants was 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2%-3.8%), while it was 5.7% (95% CI = 4.1%-7.8%) if only septic revisions were considered. Comparing the Ta and control groups showed a significantly lower PJI rate following all-cause rTHA with an RR = 0.80 (95% CI = 0.65-0.98, P < .05). There was a trend toward lower reinfection rates in the Ta group after rTHA in septic cases, although the difference was not statistically significant (RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.44-1.29, P = .30).

Conclusions

Ta implants are associated with a lower PJI rate following all-cause rTHA but not after septic causes. Despite positive results, the clinical significance of Ta still remains unclear since the PJI rate was only reduced by 20%.

Level of Evidence

IV.

The impact of retaining the femoral stem in revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

INTRODUCTION

The management of well-fixed femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) remains a subject of debate, with concerns over potential complications arising from stem retention. This study aimed to investigate the re-revision rates due to aseptic loosening of the stem, overall re-revision rates, dislocation rates, and factors influencing these outcomes in rTHA with a retained well-fixed femoral stem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across several databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL to identify pertinent publications from their inception through 2023. We specifically focused on studies that reported outcomes of rTHA with retained well-fixed femoral stems. The study designs incorporated in our research encompassed both cohort studies and case series studies. Thirty-five studies involving isolated acetabular revision and retaining the stem were included, representing a total of 3497 patients. Data extraction was tailored to the study questions. Meta-analyses, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the outcomes and their relationship with various factors. Pooled results, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses were performed using random-effects models. To assess and reduce bias, we employed Egger's test and the trim and fill method.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 3497 patients with a mean follow-up of 9.28 years. The 10-year risk of re-revision after retaining femoral stem using highly cross-linked polyethylene was 1.7% (95% CI 1.1%-2.3%; I2: 60%) for stem aseptic loosening and 8.8% (95% CI 6.2%-11.4%; I2: 78%) overall re-revision. Dislocation risk was 5.7% (95% CI 4.1-7.0%; I2: 61%). Ceramic heads showed lower stem failure risk than metal heads in long-term follow-ups (P < 0.001). The posterolateral approach in revision surgery resulted in better long-term outcomes compared to the direct lateral approach (P < 0.001). Follow-up duration, timeline of study, Harris Hip Score, type of stem fixation, femoral head material, BMI, age, stem age, and surgical approach were evaluated as influential factors on these outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The re-revision rate due to aseptic loosening of the retained stem during rTHA was found to be significantly low, supporting the idea of retaining well-fixed stems during rTHA. The overall re-revision and dislocation rates also presented comparable or better outcomes to prior studies. A range of factors, including the use of highly cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic femoral heads, was found to influence these outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022351157.

Direct epidural metastasis of breast cancer mimicking a large lumbar disc sequestrum: A case report and review of literature

We report a case of cauda equina syndrome (CES) caused by an epidural metastasis of breast cancer, which oddly mimicked a large disc sequestrum leading to misdiagnosis. To our knowledge, it is the first report of a metastatic epidural breast cancer lesion mimicking a disc sequestrum.

Any clinician should be cautious when confronting the manifestations of lumbar disc herniation in a patient with a history of breast cancer. Epidural metastasis of breast cancer can mimic the radiologic and clinical features of a disc sequestrum.

Nonunion following valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy for neglected femoral neck fracture: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Femoral neck fractures account for roughly half of the two million hip fractures that occur each year worldwide. There is a high rate of neglected cases and potential complications such as nonunion or avascular necrosis (AVN) in developing countries. More than 30 % of patients may experience non-union following a femoral fracture. There is no consensus on the best neglected femoral neck fracture treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30-year-old female known case of rheumatoid arthritis came with a neglected femoral neck fracture to our center. We salvaged the viable hip by subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy and fixation by angled blade plate (ABP). After eight months, she returned with left hip pain and nonunion of the fracture and osteotomy sites. We refixed the fracture with a longer ABP together with autografting of both sites. After two years, she had complete union, full hip range of motion, and painless ambulation.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy is susceptible to nonunion especially in patients with medical comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Careful selection of osteotomy site and appropriate fixation device might prevent of non-union.

The Effect of Intramedullary vs Extramedullary Tibial Guides on the Alignment of Lower Extremity and Functional Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been known as a definitive treatment for advanced knee osteoarthritis. Both intramedullary (IM) and extramedullary (EM) tibial guides have been used to restore the desired extremity alignment. However, controversy exists regarding the superiority of either technique We aimed to compare the functional outcomes and accuracy of IM and EM tibial guides in providing neutral alignment after TKA.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, we studied 98 patients undergoing primary TKA in two groups of IM and EM. We measured the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), varus angle (VA), and joint-line convergence angle with normal ranges of 90°±3°, 0-2°, and 0±3°, respectively, on a three-joint alignment view after three months. We also assessed the functional outcomes at the last follow-up. Finally, we compared these outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Eighty-four patients (IM=42, EM=42) were included in the final analysis (16 males, 68 females, mean age: 63.9±8.6 years, mean follow-up: 13±2.9 months). The mean postoperative (post-op) alignment angles showed no significant difference, although MPTA outliers were significantly more frequent in the EM group (26.2% vs. 9.5% in IM, P=0.04). None of the functional outcomes showed a significant difference between the two groups. However, the mean increase in knee range of motion (ROM) was significantly higher in the knees with VAs within ±3° of neutral than those outside this range (30.8 vs. 27.4, respectively, P=0.039).

Conclusion

We conclude that both techniques were not different regarding the mean alignment angles and functional outcomes. However, fewer MPTA outliers can be seen with the IM technique. A post-op mechanical axis within ±3° of neutral can result in a more ROM increase after one year.

The Efficacy of Bone Wax in Reduction of Perioperative Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty via Direct Anterior Approach: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative blood management in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a prime focus of research. Given the morbidity, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospital stay associated with postoperative anemia, various measures have been proposed to reduce perioperative blood loss (PBL). In this trial, we studied the efficacy of bone wax application on the distal cut surface of the femoral neck in reducing PBL during THA through the direct anterior approach.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 152 patients underwent THA through the direct anterior approach with use of bone wax (n = 75) or without bone wax (control) (n = 77). The study was triple-blinded. The primary outcomes were apparent PBL (blood in sponges and suction canister) and total PBL on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 5 (as calculated with the Good and Nadler methods). Transfusion and complications were the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, etiology, preoperative hematologic/coagulation profile, anesthesia, intraoperative mean arterial pressure, or operative time. Apparent PBL, total PBL on POD3, and total PBL, in milliliters, on POD5 were significantly lower in the wax group, with median values of 200 (interquartile range [IQR]: 115 to 310) versus 370 (IQR: 195 to 513.7), 505.2 (IQR: 409.2 to 637.6) versus 747 (IQR: 494.6 to 955.4), and 536.7 (IQR: 430.9 to 689.3) versus 767.8 (IQR: 537.8 to 1,021.9) in the wax and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). No significant differences in the rates of transfusion and complications were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone wax on the cut surface of femoral neck can significantly reduce PBL during THA through the direct anterior approach. Bone wax is accessible and inexpensive and can be considered a routine part of the surgical technique in THA through the direct anterior approach. This intervention has no impact on complication or transfusion rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Functional Outcomes of Delayed Surgical Reconstruction in Nonsport-Induced Multiligament Knee Injuries: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are among the most detrimental injuries, which can cause significant compromise of joint stability and function. Our aim was to investigate the functional outcomes of nonsport-induced MLKIs who presented late after injury and underwent delayed arthroscopic reconstruction. In a retrospective cohort of 18 MLKI patients (19 knees, January 2012-2018) who had undergone arthroscopic reconstruction, we assessed the knee range of motion, return to work/sport, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. The preoperative scores were retrieved from the patients' registry database. We reviewed their surgical notes and extracted the operation data, including the damaged ligaments, stages of the surgery, and associated meniscal injury. There were 14 males and 4 females with a mean age of 30.57 ± 10.31 years. The mean time from injury to surgery was 17.31 ± 11.98 months. The most common injury was anterior cruciate ligament/posterior cruciate ligament (31.6%). The mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle accidents (72.2%), falls (22.2%), and sports (5.6%). The reconstruction was either single (61.2%) or multiple stage (38.8%). The pre- and postoperative scores were 45.31 ± 7.30 versus 79.16 ± 11.86 IKDC, 3.84 ± 1.26 versus 8.37 ± 1.16 Tegner, and 60.42 ± 7.68 versus 89.42 ± 8.81 Lysholm, respectively. All the scores showed significant improvement at mean follow-up of 24.05 ± 9.55 months (p < 0.001). In conclusion, delayed arthroscopic reconstruction of MLKIs significantly improved the functional outcomes and return to work in patients presenting late to the orthopaedic clinic. There was no relationship between the demographic variables, mechanism of injury, number of injured ligaments, and the stages of surgery and the functional outcomes in this group of patients.

Effect of joint immobilization using extension splint immediately after total knee arthroplasty on post-operative knee function and pain: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Investigate the effect of semirigid extension bracing after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on articular pain and function.

METHODS

The present randomized clinical trial included 72 patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA. Patients in the case group received eight days of post-operative semirigid extension-locked knee bracing, whereas controls did not. The outcomes assessed preoperatively and on the first, ninth, 30th day, and one year post-operatively included the knee society score (KSS), functional KSS (FKSS), VAS pain score, amount of postoperative opiate painkiller usage (tablet oxycodone 5mg), and knee ROM.

RESULTS

The case group had a significantly lower flexion ROM on postoperative day nine compared to the control group (95.3° vs. 100.8°, p=0.03), while it became significantly higher 1 month (114.1° vs. 104.7°, p=0.03) and one year post-operative (128.0° vs. 120.5°, p=0.002). Also, FKSS was significantly higher in the case group than in the controls in the one month post-operative assessment (37.0 vs. 32.6, p=0.009) but not in the one year post-operative assessment. The case group patients had a significantly lower pain than the controls on days one (5.8 vs. 7.2, p=0.02) and nine post-operative (4.1 vs. 5.2, p=0.048), but not at later assessments. The amount of one month post-operative opium (oxycodone) consumption was significantly lower in the brace group (12.4 vs. 14.1 tablets, p=0.03). The KSS were not significantly different between the groups after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Extension-locked splinting immediately after TKA is a noninvasive, non-pharmacological, and inexpensive intervention with possible promising effects on knee ROM, short-term functional improvement, and acute post-operative pain management.

The Contributing Factors of Nonunion Bone Fractures: A Brief Review

The skeletal system has a high healing capacity. A nonunion fracture occurs when the natural course of bone healing is impaired. Numerous local and systemic factors participate in the development of a nonunion fracture. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking history, obesity, and malnutrition are at risk for nonunion. Moreover, the major local risk factors for impaired bone healing are malalignment, infection, mechanical stability, and tissue loss. In this brief review, we discuss the definition, epidemiology, and diagnosis of nonunion. We further explain the major contributing factors which must be considered in patient selection for nonunion revision surgeries.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome and Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy After Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Case of Marfan Syndrome

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a postoperative wound care method, which has recently become an ongoing field of research in hip and knee arthroplasty. We report the successful management of wound dehiscence and infection after THA in a case of Marfan syndrome by closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT). Our patient also developed a rare postoperative neurologic complication, that is, Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS). To our knowledge, this is the first report of PTS and ciNPWT use for SSI after THA in a Marfan patient. As wound dehiscence and infection can occur after THA in Marfan patients, we propose ciNPWT as an option to treat or even prevent (prophylactic use) such complications in this rare group of patients.

Unlocking of the Orthopedic Department in the Largest Tertiary Referral Hospital of Iran: Our Experience during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Background: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the largest global healthcare crisis of the last century since its emergence in December 2019. As more of the condition’s chronicity became evident and the government policies changed, the unlocking of the orthopedic wards seemed necessary. In this study, we decided to share our experience regarding the unlocking of our orthopedic ward in the largest tertiary referral hospital of Iran and to explain its negative and positive consequences. Methods: This observational study was done in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran, from April to August 2020. We extracted the data regarding the number of elective/trauma operations, emergency patients, and morning report sessions attendance from our registry database. The data were analyzed and plotted using Microsoft Excel 365. Results: The mean weekly number of orthopedic operations decreased from 50 for elective and 30 for trauma operations in January 2020 to almost zero for both in late March and early April 2020 [the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) peak]. Following the department unlocking, the mean weekly elective and trauma operations returned to 50 and 20 by mid-June, respectively. The mean weekly orthopedic emergency visits followed the same order with decrease from 50 to almost zero in late March and increase to 70 in mid-June. However, by the beginning of the second wave, it decreased to almost 38 in early July and further to 28 in late July by the end of the second wave. Conclusion: The unlocking of the orthopedic department in a tertiary referral hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic is possible, provided that there is a set of protocols for patient care in the ward, emergency room (ER), operating room (OR), and clinic during the pandemic.

Femoral Neck Fracture Fixation Failure: A Review and Stepwise Approach

The article's abstract is not available.

Total Knee Arthroplasty and Atypical Cartilaginous Tumor/Enchondroma of the Distal Femur

Enchondroma is a common benign chondrogenic tumor, which typically occurs in the short bones of hands and feet. However, when affecting the long bones, it is difficult to rule out the low-grade chondrosarcoma, called atypical cartilaginous tumor (ACT), because of the highly similar clinical and radiologic features. This study reports 2 patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis, scheduled for total knee arthroplasty, who had a distal femoral lesion on imaging suggestive of ACT/enchondroma. We believe that the treatment of these patients could be a challenge for arthroplasty surgeons. This is because it might be difficult to decide whether a periarticular chondral tumor of an osteoarthritic knee is malignant and changes the plan. In this report, we described our approach to address both knee osteoarthritis and ACT/enchondroma of the distal femur. To the best of our knowledge, this issue has not yet been discussed in the literature.

Decision Making in Femoral Neck Fractures: Internal Fixation versus Arthroplasty

The article's abstract is no available.  

Late-Onset De Novo Genu Recurvatum after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Potential Indication for Isolated Polyethylene Exchange

Knee instability is the second most common cause of revision after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Genu recurvatum (GR) is the rarest form of instability usually occurring in patients with underlying conditions such as neuromuscular disorders and fixed valgus deformities. The literature regarding de novo post-TKA GR and its treatment is scarce. In this case series and review of literature, we aimed to review the treatment strategies of post-TKA GR and to present our experience in the treatment of late-onset de novo GR after TKA by isolated polyethylene exchange. To our knowledge, isolated polyethylene exchange has not been so far described for GR correction after TKA. We found a unique wear pattern at the base of the liner post in all 3 patients. They showed a satisfactory outcome with no recurrence on a mean follow-up of 26.67 months.