Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Lowers Retear Rates and Improves Short-Term Postoperative Functional Outcome Scores: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of meta-analyses of rotator cuff repair using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to identify whether PRP improves clinical function and rate of tendon retears. We will (1) conduct a systematic review of the current meta-analyses of rotator cuff repair using platelet-rich plasma available in the literature, (2) evaluate the quality of these meta-analyses using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) methodology, (3) identify whether PRP improves clinical function and rate of tendon retears, and develop guidance to improve future studies in this area.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review of previous meta-analyses published on the clinical outcomes of PRP used in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Embase databases, using various combinations of the commercial names of each PRP preparation and “rotator cuff” (with its associated terms), looking specifically at human meta-analysis studies involving the repair of the rotator cuff tendon surgically in the English language. Data validity was assessed and collected on clinical outcomes. Following this, a meta-analysis was undertaken.

Results

Thirteen meta-analyses met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All were considered of similar quality with Oxman-Guyatt index of 9 and PRISMA score of more than 24. A total of 1,800 patients with an average follow up of 12 to 36 months. The use of PRP for arthroscopic rotator cuff tear, when compared with controls, leads to a lower number of retears, improved short-term postoperative scores, and functional outcome. The following postoperative scores were reported: Constant: 12, Simple Shoulder Test: 10, ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons): 9, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) 11, SANE (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation) 1, VAS (visual analog scale): 6, and Retears: 13. Subgroup analysis showed that leukocyte content and gel application make no difference in the effectiveness of PRP. VAS score subgroup analysis showed short-term pain relief.

Conclusions

Our study shows that PRP is effective in reducing retears after rotator cuff repair and improving functional outcome scores and reducing short-term pain.

Level of Evidence

Level III, systematic review of Level I-III studies.

Holding on by a thread: the continuing story of rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain. The incidence of these tears has increased significantly over the years, with the demands of an increasingly active elderly population. Therefore, a detailed understanding of rotator cuff tears will help doctors manage their patients' condition. This field has rapidly advanced over the past decade and this review provided an insight into the latest developments.

Cemented vs. cementless fixation in primary total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Over 100,000 total knee replacements (TKRs) are carried out in the UK annually, with cemented fixation accounting for approximately 95% of all primary TKRs. In Australia, 68.1% of all primary TKRs use cemented fixation, and only 10.9% use cementless fixation. However, there has been a renewed interest in cementless fixation as a result of improvements in implant design and manufacturing technology.

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of cemented and cementless fixation in primary TKR. Outcome measures included the revision rate and patient-reported functional scores.

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from the earliest available date to November 2018 for randomized controlled trials of primary TKAs comparing cemented versus cementless fixation outcomes.

Six studies met our inclusion criteria and were analysed. A total of 755 knees were included; 356 knees underwent cemented fixation, 399 underwent cementless fixation. They were followed up for an average of 8.4 years (range: 2.0 to 16.6).

This study found no significant difference in revision rates and knee function in cemented versus cementless TKR at up to 16.6-year follow-up.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:793-798. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200030

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with chronic liver disease: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant and increasingly prevalent co-morbidity in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). These patients may develop metabolic bone disease (MBD) and systemic dysfunction, which pose challenges to THA surgery. This systematic review of literature aims to examine clinical outcomes and complications in patients with CLD undergoing THA and provide evidence-based approaches as to the optimization of their perioperative care.

METHODS

A Pubmed search was performed, identifying eight studies on 28 514 THAs for inclusion. Two additional studies reported on 44 patients undergoing THA post liver transplant. These were reviewed separately.

RESULTS

Increased early perioperative complications are reported recurrently. Review of long-term complications demonstrates an increased postoperative infection rate of 0.5% (p < 0.001) and perioperative mortality of 4.1% (p < 0.001). The need for revision surgery is more frequent at 4% (p < 0.001). Aetiology of need for revision surgery included; periprosthestic infection (70%), aseptic loosening (13%), instability (13%), periprosthetic fracture (2%) and liner wear (2%). THA in patients with liver transplants seems to offer functional improvement; however, no studies have formally assessed functional outcomes in the patient with active CLD.

DISCUSSION

A multidisciplinary perioperative approach is suggested in order to minimize increased complication risks. Specific measures include optimizing haemoglobin and taking measures to reduce infection. This review also highlights gaps in available literature and guides future research to appraise functional outcomes, further detail long-term failure reasons and study any differences in outcomes and complications based on the range of operative approaches and available implant choices.

Systematic review of the outcome of cemented versus uncemented total hip arthroplasty following pelvic irradiation

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with radiation-related changes to the bone, and specifically whether there is a difference in outcomes between cemented and uncemented acetabular components.

METHODS

A database search was performed to identify available studies reporting adults undergoing THA who have previously had pelvic irradiation. Data were extracted and analysed with respect to the use of cemented versus uncemented acetabular components. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test for independence.

RESULTS

The all-cause revision rate was 24% in the cemented THA group (27/111), compared with 15% of uncemented THAs (22/143) (p = 0.073). Revision for acetabular aseptic loosening occurred in 16% of cases (18/111) in the cemented group and 10% (15/143) in the uncemented group (p = 0.178). Acetabular aseptic loosening was reported in 24% of cemented THAs (27/111) and 14% of uncemented THAs (20/143), which was statistically significant (p = 0.035). Not all of these went on to have revision THA. The Incidence of prosthetic joint infection was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Overall outcomes appear to be better for uncemented THAs in post-radiotherapy patients, with a significantly lower rate of aseptic loosening and an appreciable (but not statistically significant) reduction in revision rate. The best outcomes seem to be associated with the use of acetabular reinforcement across both cemented and uncemented groups, but further work is needed to evaluate this.

The outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in morbidly obese patients: a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

The increasing prevalence of obesity has led to an increase in total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) being undertaken in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI). TKA in morbidly obese patients can be technically challenging due to numerous anatomical factors and patient co-morbidities. The long-term outcomes in this patient group are unclear. This systematic review aims to compare the long-term revision rates, functional outcomes and complication rates of TKAs in morbidly obese versus non-obese patients.

METHODS

A search of PubMed, EMBASE and PubMed Central was conducted to identify studies that reported revision rates in a cohort of morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) that underwent primary TKA, compared to non-obese patients (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m²). Secondary outcomes included Knee Society Objective Scores (KSOS), Knee Society Functional Scores (KSFS), and complication rates between the two groups. The difference in revision rates was assessed using the Chi-squared test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre-operative and post-operative functional scores for each group. KSOS and KSFS for morbidly obese and non-obese patients were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in this review. There were 624 TKAs in morbidly obese patients and 9,449 TKAs in non-obese patients, average BMI values were 45.0 kg/m² (range 40-66 kg/m²) and 26.5 kg/m² (range 11-30 kg/m²) respectively. The average follow-up time was 4.8 years (range 0.5-14.1) and 5.2 years (range 0.5-13.2) respectively, with a revision rate of 7% and 2% (p < 0.001) respectively. All functional scores improved after TKA (p < 0.001). Pre- and post-operative KSOS and KSFS were poorer in morbidly obese patients, however, mean improvement in KSOS was the same in both groups and comparable between groups for KSFS (p = 0.78). Overall complication rates,  including infection, were higher in morbidly obese patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests an increased mid to long-term revision rate following primary TKA in morbidly obese patients, however, these patients have a functional recovery which is comparable to non-obese individuals. There is also an increased risk of perioperative complications, such as superficial wound infection. Morbidly obese patients should be fully informed of these issues prior to undergoing primary TKA.

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with Paget’s disease of bone: A systematic review

AIM

To determine the functional outcomes, complications and revision rates following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with Paget’s disease of bone (PDB).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed. Four studies with a total of 54 TKAs were included for analysis. Functional outcomes, pain scores, complications and revision rates were assessed. The mean age was 72.0 years and the mean follow-up was 7.5 years.

RESULTS

All studies reported significant improvement in knee function and pain scores following TKA. There were 2 cases of aseptic loosening, with one patient requiring revision of the femoral component 10 years after the index procedure. Malalignment, bone loss, soft tissue contractures were the most commonly reported intra-operative challenges. There were five cases (9%) that were complicated by intra-operative patellar tendon avulsion.

CONCLUSION

The findings support the use of TKA in patients with PDB. The post-operative functional outcomes are largely similar to other patients, however there are specific perioperative challenges that have been highlighted, in particular the high risk for patellar tendon avulsion.

Total hip arthroplasty outcomes in morbidly obese patients: A systematic review

The increasing prevalence of obesity has resulted in a marked increase in the number of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) carried out in patients with a high body mass index (BMI).

THA in morbidly obese patients is often technically challenging owing to the associated co-morbidities and anatomical factors. Furthermore, the long-term clinical and functional outcomes of the procedure in these patients are not clear.

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the long-term failure rate and functional outcomes of THA in morbidly obese versus non-obese patients.

A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and PubMed Central was conducted to identify studies that compared the outcomes of THA in patients defined as morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 35) to a control group (BMI < 30). The primary and secondary outcome measures were rate of revision and functional outcome, respectively, in the long term.

Eight studies were included in this review. There were 66,238 THAs in morbidly obese patients and 705,619 THAs in patients with a BMI < 30. The overall revision rate was 7.99% in the morbidly obese patients versus 2.75% in the non-obese controls. The functional outcome was at least comparable to non-obese patients.

This review suggests that morbidly obese patients have a slightly increased revision rate following THA. Importantly, these patients have a functional recovery at least comparable to those with a BMI < 30. Morbidly obese patients should be fully informed of these issues prior to undergoing surgery.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:507-512. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.180011

Outcome of total knee arthroplasty in patients with poliomyelitis: A systematic review

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients affected by poliomyelitis is technically challenging owing to abnormal anatomical features including articular and metaphyseal angular deformities, external rotation of the tibia, excessive valgus alignment, bone loss, narrowness of the femoral and tibial canals, impaired quadriceps strength, flexion contractures, genu recurvatum and ligamentous laxity. Little information is available regarding the results and complications of TKA in this challenging group of patients.

We carried out a systematic review of the literature to determine the functional outcome, complications and revision rates of TKA in patients with poliomyelitis-affected knees. Six studies including 82 knees met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The mean patient age was 63 years (45 to 85) and follow-up was 5.5 years (0.5 to 13).

All studies reported significant improvement in knee function following TKA. There were six failures requiring revision surgery in 82 cases (7%) occurring at a mean of 6.2 years (0.4 to 12). The reasons for revision surgery were aseptic loosening (17%, n=1), infection (33%, n=2), periprosthetic fracture (17%, n=1) and instability (33%, n=2). Thirty-six knees had a degree of recurvatum pre-operatively (44%), which was in the range of 5° to 30°. Ten of these knees (28%) developed recurrent recurvatum post-operatively.

The findings support the use of TKA in patients with poliomyelitis-affected knees. The post-operative functional outcome is similar to other patients; however, the revision rate is higher. Quadriceps muscle power appears to be an important prognostic factor for functional outcome and the use of constrained implant designs is recommended in the presence of less than antigravity quadriceps strength.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:358-362. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170028

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with Paget’s disease of bone: A systematic review

AIM

To investigate the clinical and functional outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Paget’s disease.

METHODS

We carried out a systematic review of the literature to determine the functional outcome, complications and revision rates of THA in patients with Paget’s disease. Eight studies involving 358 hips were reviewed. The mean age was 70.4 years and follow-up was 8.3 years. There were 247 cemented THAs (69%), 105 uncemented THAs (29%) and 6 hybrid THAs (2%).

RESULTS

All studies reported significant improvement in hip function following THA. There were 19 cases of aseptic loosening (5%) at a mean of 8.6 years. Three cases occurred in the uncemented cohort (3%) at a mean of 15.3 years and 16 cases developed in the cemented group (6%) at a mean of 7.5 years (P = 0.2052). There were 27 revisions in the 358 cases (8%) occurring at a mean of 7 years. Six revisions occurred in the uncemented cohort (6%) at a mean of 8.6 years and 21 in the cemented cohort (9%) at a mean of 6.5 years (P = 0.5117).

CONCLUSION

The findings support the use of THA in patients with Paget’s disease hip arthropathy. The post-operative functional outcome is largely similar to other patients; however, the revision rate is higher with aseptic loosening being the most common reason for revision. Uncemented implants appear to be associated with a lower failure rate, however, there were no modern stem designs fixed using current generation cementing techniques used in the reported studies, and as such, caution is advised when drawing any conclusions.

The Avon Patellofemoral Joint Replacement: Mid-Term Prospective Results from an Independent Centre

Background

Approximately 10% of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee have unicompartmental OA confined to the patellofemoral joint (PFJ). The main surgical options are total knee replacement (TKR) and PFJ replacement (PFJR). PFJR has a number of advantages over TKR, including being less invasive, preserving the unaffected parts of the knee, allowing faster recovery and better range of motion and function. We report our prospective mid-term results of the Avon PFJR for established isolated PFJ arthritis in 61 consecutive procedures.

Methods

Sixty-one Avon PFJRs were performed in 57 patients. The outcome measures were the new Oxford knee score (OKS), Hungerford and Kenna score (HKS), and Crosby Insall knee scores. Only patients with severe isolated PFJ OA were included. The diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical, radiological and, where available, arthroscopic findings.

Results

Mean follow-up was 5.09 years (range, 12 to 124 years). There were 2 revisions in the first 5 years. The median HKS score was 80 (interquartile range, 70 to 95) and the mean OKS was 31.8 (± standard deviation, 8.7) at 5 years. These were significantly better (p < 0.001) than the preoperative scores.

Conclusions

The Avon prosthesis gives good functional outcomes in the medium term and survives well. Our data support other studies in the literature and is the largest independent prospective study to date.

Fragility fractures of the ankle in the frail elderly patient

Conventional methods of treating ankle fractures in the elderly are associated with high rates of complication. We describe the results of treating these injuries in 48 frail elderly patients with a long calcaneotalotibial nail.

The mean age of the group was 82 years (61 to 96) and 41 (85%) were women. All were frail, with multiple medical comorbidities and their mean American Society of Anaesthesiologists score was 3 (3 to 4). None could walk independently before their operation. All the fractures were displaced and unstable; the majority (94%, 45 of 48) were low-energy injuries and 40% (19 of 48) were open.

The overall mortality at six months was 35%. Of the surviving patients, 90% returned to their pre-injury level of function. The mean pre- and post-operative Olerud and Molander questionnaire scores were 62 and 57 respectively. Complications included superficial infection (4%, two of 48); deep infection (2%, one of 48); a broken or loose distal locking screw (6%, three of 48); valgus malunion (4%, two of 48); and one below-knee amputation following an unsuccessful vascular operation. There were no cases of nonunion, nail breakage or peri-prosthetic fracture.

A calcaneotalotibial nail is an excellent device for treating an unstable fracture of the ankle in the frail elderly patient. It allows the patient to mobilise immediately and minimises the risk of bone or wound problems. A long nail which crosses the isthmus of the tibia avoids the risk of peri-prosthetic fracture associated with shorter devices.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:817–22.

MOJE ceramic metatarsophalangeal arthroplasty: disappointing clinical results at two to eight years

BACKGROUND

Among the surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) are a number of different designs of total arthroplasty, including the MOJE, a ceramic press fit arthroplasty. We present a 2- to 8-year followup of 31 procedures.

METHODS

Thirty-two MOJE arthroplasties were undertaken for painful hallux rigidus in 30 patients (nine male, 21 female) over 6 years (mean age 61.9; range, 37 to 76). At followup patients' symptoms, levels of function and radiographs were scored using SF-36, modified Kitaoka and AOFAS systems. Followup rate was 97%, with mean followup time 58 months (range, 28 to 97).

RESULTS

Mean scores were: Kitaoka 53.8 (15 to 75), AOFAS 61.3/100 (range, 18 to 100), SF-36 physical combined 48.6 (27.6 to 58.7) SF-36 mental score 52.2 (19.5 to 62.2). Sixteen showed radiological evidence of component loosening (either lucency, subsidence or both) and one radiograph revealed component fracture. Eight implants have been revised. In patients who had not undergone subsequent fusion, 15 had less than 36 degrees of movement, nine had 36 to 45 degrees, four were in the 46 to 60 range, and only one had more than 60 degrees. There were no infections.

CONCLUSION

Although previous studies have suggested favorable initial outcomes with the MOJE prosthesis, all have focused only on the early results. In our series, the reoperation rate of 26% at up to 8 years is worryingly high, especially given that 16 (52%) showed loosening. Although there appears to be a cohort of patients who have satisfactory outcomes with the MOJE, we would suggest the continued use of this implant.

Deep soft tissue leiomyoma mimicking fibromatosis in a 5-year-old male

Leiomyomas of the deep soft tissue in the extremities of children are very rare. These benign soft tissue tumors occur more frequently in adults between the fourth and sixth decades of age. Women are more commonly affected than men, with the uterus the most common location. We present a rare case of deep soft tissue leiomyoma in the foot of a 5-year-old male. The tumor was misdiagnosed as a desmoid-type fibromatosis from the findings of both magnetic resonance imaging and needle biopsy. The unusual age of presentation, atypical location, and failure of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy in diagnosing the lesion make the case interesting. The case also highlights the importance of treating such patients at specialist tertiary centers with a multidisciplinary setting.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation of bone: clinical management of a series of 22 cases

We describe 22 cases of bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, or Nora's lesion. These are surface-based osteocartilaginous lesions typically affecting the hands and feet. All patients were identified from the records of a regional bone tumour unit and were treated between 1985 and 2009. Nine lesions involved the metacarpals, seven the metatarsals, one originated from a sesamoid bone of the foot and five from long bones (radius, ulna, tibia, and femur in two). The mean age of the patients was 31.8 years (6 to 66), with 14 men and eight women. Diagnosis was based on the radiological and histological features. The initial surgical treatment was excision in 21 cases and amputation of a toe in one. The mean follow-up was for 32 months (12 to 162). Recurrence occurred in six patients (27.3%), with a mean time to recurrence of 49 months (10 to 120). Two of the eight patients with complete resection margins developed a recurrence (25.0%), compared with four of 14 with a marginal or incomplete resection (28.6%). Given the potential surgical morbidity inherent in resection, our data suggest that there may be a role for a relatively tissue-conserving approach to the excision of these lesions.

Troponin T as a predictive marker of morbidity in patients with fractured neck of femur

INTRODUCTION

This study aims prospectively to assess perioperative measurement of Troponin T, a marker of myocardial injury, as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery for fractured neck of femur.

METHOD

All patients aged 65 years and over presenting with a fractured neck of femur over a 4-month period were initially included. Exclusion criteria were renal failure, polymyositis and conservative fracture management. Troponin T levels were measured on admission, day 1 and 2 post-surgery. According to local protocol, a level of >0.03 ng/mL was considered to be raised. Adverse outcome measures were cardiorespiratory events (myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, unstable angina, major arrhythmias requiring treatment and pulmonary embolism), death and length of inpatient stay.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-nine patients presented with femoral neck fractures. 108 patients were included after application of the exclusion criteria. 42 (39%) showed a Troponin rise. Of these, 25 sustained one or more outcome complications versus seven with no rise (p<0.001). The mean hospital stay was 25.7 days for patients with elevated Troponin, 18.3 days in the normal group (p<0.012). There were nine deaths in the raised Troponin group, and five with no rise (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION

The principle causes of early death after hip fracture surgery are cardiac failure and myocardial infarction. Troponin T is a sensitive enzymatic marker of myocardial injury. The association between raised Troponin and hip fractures has not previously been made. In our series, 39% showed a perioperative Troponin rise. This was significantly associated with increased morbidity, mortality and longer hospitalisation. Many patients appear to be having silent events, causing significant morbidity. We recommend Troponin measurement in all patients to identify this risk and allow appropriate optimisation measures.

Multiple sclerosis and bilateral dislocations of total knee replacements: a case report

We report on a 67-year-old lady with multiple sclerosis (MS) who underwent bilateral total knee replacements using a fixed bearing posterior cruciate retaining prosthesis. Having initially achieved a satisfactory result, she developed recurrent dislocations of both knees necessitating bilateral revision surgery. Such complications are not previously described as a sequela of a neurological disease.

Synovial osteochrondomatosis of the talonavicular joint: a case report

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a condition of unknown etiology affecting articular synovium, characterised by the formation of osteochondral nodules. Occurrences in the foot and ankle are rare. To our knowledge, this condition has never previously been described in the talonavicular joint. In the following article, we present two cases and review the literature regarding this condition.