Search

Heterotopic ossification (HO) can result in poorer clinical outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Multiple modes of intervention have been evaluated for HO prevention, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Additionally, multimodal pain management strategies including celecoxib have become more prominent. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the influence of celecoxib as part of postoperative analgesia on the risk of developing HO following the direct anterior approach (DA) for THA.A retrospective query identified primary DA THAs performed by a single surgeon between 2013 and 2020. Patients were grouped according to those who received 3 weeks celecoxib upon discharge, and those who did not. Radiographs were used to categorize patients according to the Brooker classification system for HO. Preoperative and 2-week, 6-week, 3-month, and 1-year postoperative X-rays were evaluated.A total of 688 DA THAs were included, demonstrating a 9.6% (n = 66) incidence of HO with Brooker classification: 1: 5.7% (n = 39); 2: 2.6% (n = 18); 3: 1.2% (n = 8); and 4: 0.1% (n = 1). Patients who did not receive celecoxib had a 14.3% (52/364) rate of HO following THA (odds ratio 4.53, P.001) vs only 4.3% (14/324) in the celecoxib group (odds ratio 0.22, P.001). Overall, 9 patients (1.3%) went on to develop significant HO (Booker 3 or greater): 8 (2.2%) in the control group and 1 (0.3%) in the celecoxib group (P.001).Our findings suggest a significant reduction in the formation of HO following DA THA when using postoperative analgesic celecoxib as part of a multimodal pain protocol. Future prospective randomized studies are needed to identify ideal dosage, duration, and formulation to reduce the risk of HO while optimizing multimodal pain management.

A 60-year-old woman underwent revision total hip arthroplasty with a modular dual-mobility articulation for recurrent dislocation. At 1-year follow-up, the patient reported no dislocations but had occasional clicking and discomfort with extreme motion. A Dunn radiograph identified notching of the femoral stem, attributed to impingement. Metal ions were elevated without adverse local-tissue reaction. After 4.5 years of observation, the notch size remained stable. She denied pain. Neither stem fracture nor prosthetic dislocation occurred. Impingement against cobalt-chromium acetabular bearing surfaces can result in notching of titanium femoral components after total hip arthroplasty. Increased anteversion intended to protect against posterior dislocation may be a risk factor. Posterior notching is best visualized on Dunn views, so incidence may be underestimated. No associated femoral implant fractures were identified on literature review.

Introduction: Approximately half of dislocating total hip arthroplasties (THAs) demonstrate acetabular component position within traditional safe zones. It is unclear if postoperative functional acetabular position can be reliably improved by considering preoperative pelvic tilt. We investigated whether standing cup position targets could be more accurately achieved by considering preoperative standing pelvic tilt in addition to bone landmarks when planning for robot-assisted THA. Methods: We reviewed 146 THAs performed by a single surgeon using computed tomography-based 3-dimensional planning and robotic technology to guide acetabular reaming and component insertion. Planning for 73 consecutive cases started at 40° of inclination and 22° of anteversion relative to the supine functional plane and was adjusted to better match native hip anatomy. Planning for the next 73 cases was modified to consider standing pelvic position based on standing preoperative radiographs. We compared groups to determine the rate when cups were placed outside our standing targets of 15–30° anteversion and 35–50° inclination. Results: Cup position proved to be reliable in both groups, with 83% of cups in the anatomic planning cohort and 90% of cups in the functional planning cohort achieving standing targets for both anteversion and inclination ( p = 0.227). Variances were lower in the functional planning group: 9.4° versus 15.8° of inclination ( p = 0.079) and 18.3° versus 26.1° of anteversion ( p = 0.352). The range of functional positions was narrower in the functional planning group: 35.7–47.5° versus 31.8–54.9° of inclination and 16.7–35.0° versus 10.1–35.9° of anteversion. Discussion: Our results suggest enhanced planning that considers pelvic tilt, when coupled to a precision tool to achieve the plan, can reliably achieve target standing component positions. Considering preoperative functional pelvic position may improve postoperative functional acetabular component placement in THA, but the clinical benefit of this has yet to be confirmed.

Optimal wound closure techniques following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have focused on enhancing healing potential, preventing infection, yielding satisfactory cosmesis, and allowing early ambulation and functionality. An appropriate layered closure and management of the TKA typically involves addressing the (1) deep fascial layer; (2) subdermal layer; (3) intradermal layer, including the subcuticular region; and (4) final application of a specific aseptic dressing, each of which are covered here in detail. This focused critical review of the literature discusses traditional techniques used in all layers of wound closure following TKA while introducing several emerging popular techniques. For example, absorbable barbed skin sutures and occlusive dressings have the potential to reduce operative time, limit the need for early postoperative visits, obviate the need for suture or staple removal, and safely promote patient communication via telemedicine. As novel wound closure techniques continue to emerge and traditional approaches are improved upon, future comparative studies will assist in elucidating the key advantages of various options. In an extremely important field that has tremendous variability, these efforts may enable the reaching of a classically elusive standard of care for these techniques.

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the setting of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) presents more inherent complexities than routine primary THA for osteoarthritis. These include acetabular bone deficiency, limb length discrepancy (LLD), and abnormal femoral anteversion. Three-dimensional planning and robot-assisted (RA) bone preparation may simplify these complex procedures and make them more reproducible. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients who had DDH and underwent an RA THA. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 26 DDH patients who underwent RA THA by a single surgeon between 2013 and 2019. Their mean age was 54 years (range, 29 to 72 years) and mean follow up was approximately two years. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, clinical scores, Crowe classifications, and complications. There were thirteen Crowe I and seven Crowe II DDH hips, who were routinely managed with primary cementless implants. Two patients who had Crowe III and four patients who had Crowe IV DDH were also identified. All hips were reconstructed with cementless hemispherical acetabular components with or without the use of screws, but no acetabular augments or bulk allografts. Implants allowing control of femoral anteversion were selected in 23.1% of cases, including all six cases with Crowe III or IV dysplasia, and the need for these implants was uniformly identified using preoperative information about femoral version provided by the three-dimensional planning software. No patient was managed with a shortening femoral osteotomy. Postoperative radiographs were examined for LLD, center of rotation (COR), cup position (inclination and anteversion), and component osseous-integration. Results: Mean radiographic LLD was 1.7mm (range, -9 to +14) in patients who had Crowe I DDH, and there was no clinical LLDs greater than 5mm observed. Although patients who had Crowe II and greater DDH had a mean radiographic LLD of -11.6mm (range, -26 to +2.2), again no clinical LLD greater than 5mm was observed other than one patient who had bilateral Crowe II DDH in whom 10mm of clinical lengthening was accepted at the index arthroplasty with the plan to match lengths when her contralateral THA was performed. There were no cases of dislocation or acetabular fixation failure. One patient who had a femoral deformity and an intra-osseous blade plate from a prior femoral osteotomy suffered a failure of femoral osseous-integration, resulting in revision. A 32-point increase in mean modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was found (p=0.002), from 48 points preoperatively to 80 points postoperatively. Discussion: RA THA provides an excellent option for the arthroplasty surgeon to both preoperatively localize and characterize the acetabular deficiency, while providing a targeted, optimal, and secure placement of the components intraoperatively. Our results suggest favorable outcomes when compared to previous research on manual THA in DDH. Further studies, including comparative analyses, could discern possible advantages over traditional THA without robotic assistance in DDH. Conclusion: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the setting of developmental dysplasia presents more inherent complexities than routine primary THA. Robotic-assisted THA may simplify these complex procedures.

The acetabular "safe zone" has recently been questioned as a reliable reference for predicting total hip arthroplasty impingement and instability as many dislocations occur within the described parameters. Recently, an improved understanding of spino-pelvic mechanics has provided surgeons useful information to both identify those at a higher risk of dislocation and, in some cases, allows altering component positioning to accommodate the patient's individual "functional" range of motion. The purpose of this study was to create a new patient-specific impingement-free zone by considering range of motion (ROM) to prosthetic impingement for both high flexion and extension poses, thus demarcating a zone that avoids both anterior and posterior impingement, thereby creating an objective approach to identifying a patient's ideal functional safe zone.A validated hip ROM three-dimensional simulator was utilized to create ROM-to-impingement curves for both high flexion as well as pivot and turn poses. The user imported a computerized tomography (CT) with a supine pelvic tilt (PT) value of zero and implant models (tapered wedge stem, 132° neck angle, 15° stem version, 36mm femoral head). Femur-to-pelvis relative motions were determined for three upright seated poses (femur flexed at 90° and 40° internal rotation, with 0°, 10°, and 20° posterior PT), one chair rise pose (femur flexed at 90° and 0° internal rotation, with the pelvis flexed anteriorly until the pelvis made contact with the femur), and three standing pivot and turn poses (femur set at 5° extension, and 35° external rotation, with 5° posterior PT, 0°, and 5° anterior PT). ROM-to-impingement curves for cup inclination versus anteversion were graphed and compared against the Lewinnek safe zone.The ROM-to-impingement curves provide an objective assessment of potential impingement sites as they relate to femoral rotation and pelvic tilt. The area between the stand and sit curves is the impingement-free area. A sitting erect pose with a simulated stiff spine (0° PT) yielded less impingement-free combinations of cup inclination and version than poses with greater than 0° posterior pelvic tilt.The results demonstrate that the acetabular target zone has a relatively small margin for error between the sitting and standing ROM curves to impingement. Importantly, anterior and posterior pelvic tilt can markedly increase the risk of impingement, potentially leading to posterior or anterior dislocations, respectively. This study highlights the importance of correctly identifying the patient-specific functional range of motion to execute optimal component positioning.

Introduction: The acetabular “safe zone” has recently been questioned as a reliable reference for predicting total hip arthroplasty impingement and instability as many dislocations occur within the described parameters. Recently, an improved understanding of spino-pelvic mechanics has provided surgeons useful information to both identify those at a higher risk of dislocation and, in some cases, allows altering component positioning to accommodate the patient’s individual “functional” range of motion. The purpose of this study was to create a new patient-specific impingement-free zone by considering range of motion (ROM) to prosthetic impingement for both high flexion and extension poses, thus demarcating a zone that avoids both anterior and posterior impingement, thereby creating an objective approach to identifying a patient’s ideal functional safe zone. Materials and Methods: A validated hip ROM three-dimensional simulator was utilized to create ROM-to-impingement curves for both high flexion as well as pivot and turn poses. The user imported a computerized tomography (CT) with a supine pelvic tilt (PT) value of zero and implant models (tapered wedge stem, 132° neck angle, 15° stem version, 36mm femoral head). Femur-to-pelvis relative motions were determined for three upright seated poses (femur flexed at 90° and 40° internal rotation, with 0°, 10°, and 20° posterior PT), one chair rise pose (femur flexed at 90° and 0° internal rotation, with the pelvis flexed anteriorly until the pelvis made contact with the femur), and three standing pivot and turn poses (femur set at 5° extension, and 35° external rotation, with 5° posterior PT, 0°, and 5° anterior PT). ROM-to-impingement curves for cup inclination versus anteversion were graphed and compared against the Lewinnek safe zone. Results: The ROM-to-impingement curves provide an objective assessment of potential impingement sites as they relate to femoral rotation and pelvic tilt. The area between the stand and sit curves is the impingement-free area. A sitting erect pose with a simulated stiff spine (0° PT) yielded less impingement-free combinations of cup inclination and version than poses with greater than 0° posterior pelvic tilt. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the acetabular target zone has a relatively small margin for error between the sitting and standing ROM curves to impingement. Importantly, anterior and posterior pelvic tilt can markedly increase the risk of impingement, potentially leading to posterior or anterior dislocations, respectively. This study highlights the importance of correctly identifying the patient-specific functional range of motion to execute optimal component positioning.

With constantly evolving materials and techniques used in wound closure management for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is imperative that we continuously evaluate new modalities and techniques to optimize healing. This article provides a concise review of the current closure and wound management methods for each of the following three layers and dressing: 1) deep fascia layer, or arthrotomy; 2) subdermal layer or subcutaneous layer; 3) skin and subcuticular layer; and 4) dressing application. By introducing a comprehensive and systematic approach to TKA wounds, this report also incorporates newer modalities such as barbed sutures and adhesive dressings, which have increasingly replaced traditional suture and staple methods. Furthermore, we examine how various layers of modern wound closure compare to conventional methods while discussing both the clinical and economic impacts of each. Newer wound management methods, such as the adhesive and occlusive dressings with varying monofilament subcuticular sutures, can eliminate the need for staple and suture removal, increase the value of care provided, limit unnecessary postoperative visits, and potentially address wound issues by communicating safely with patients via telemedicine, an ever-relevant discussion in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Altered spinopelvic mechanics can have dramatic influences on the success of hip arthroplasty as seen with concomitant hip and spine disease. Interestingly, limited focus has been directed toward a similar codependent relationship between concurrent knee and foot deformities. By bridging this interdisciplinary gap, we attempt to explore the current understanding and clinical implications of concomitant knee and foot pathology while reviewing management options for addressing this unique yet ubiquitous patient population. Multiple authors have demonstrated an inverse relationship between progressive coronal plane deformities concerning the knee and hindfoot. The utility of a conventional mechanical axis during total knee arthroplasty may be limited in the presence of foot deformity where ground reactive forces often markedly deviate with the hindfoot, potentially leading to eccentric knee loading. The use of alternative indices, such as ground mechanical axis deviation, may offer a more reliable metric for achieving an accurate neutral mechanical axis. In addition, although foot deformity and compensation can often improve to a limited degree after total knee arthroplasty, residual deformity may have deleterious effects on the success of the procedure. A comprehensive understanding of the functional relationship between the foot and the knee can allow surgeons to better guide appropriate treatment sequence, often beginning with the more symptomatic deformity. Future research is needed to further elucidate the implications and appropriate management of concomitant knee and foot deformity.

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) spacer constructs for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections of the knee continue to evolve from the original hockey puck designs. Countless techniques have since been described for augmentation of ALBC spacers with the use of intramedullary (IM) dowels. The use of IM dowels has become a vital addition to any knee spacer construct. ALBC IM dowels are an excellent vessel to provide targeted local antibiotic treatment to high-risk areas like the medullary canal while increasing the overall therapeutic antibiotic elution. In addition, IM dowels provide needed stabilization to the relatively unstable intra-articular spacer component, thereby reducing spacer-related complications like displacement and fracture. Therefore, we recommend regular use of IM dowel augmentation to ALBC spacer constructs.