text:
Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute
Excellence in Research Through the Decades
Effect of a Clean Surgical Airflow Layer on the Incidence of Infection in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Routh LK, Parks NL, Gargiulo JM, Hamilton WG
The Center for Health Design estimates that more than 30% of surgical site infections are caused by airborne pathogens. A device that creates a localized clean air field directly adjacent to and surrounding the incision site is meant to shield a surgical site from particulate in the operating room. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the routine use of this device would reduce the rate of infection following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The authors conducted a retrospective review of primary THA cases performed with and without the airflow device. Since July 2013, a total of 1093 primary THA cases were performed with the device at the authors' institution. The incidence of wound dehiscence and deep infection was compared with that of 1171 THA cases performed prior to July 2013 without the airflow device. There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding average patient age, sex, body mass index, or diagnosis. In the airflow group, there were 7 (0.64%) deep infections and 5 (0.46%) cases of wound dehiscence that required a return to the operating room for irrigation and wound revision. In the control group, there were 7 (0.60%) cases of deep infection and 4 (0.34%) wound revisions. The groups were not significantly different in the rates of infection (P=1.0) or wound revision (P=.75). Both groups had a very low incidence of infection and wound revision, with rates below 1%. Despite compelling bench data showing a dramatic reduction of particle load in the wound, the use of the airflow device did not reduce the clinical rate of infection over a large number of cases.
Read more: Orthopedics 2020 Sep 1;43(5):e425-e430
Have Newer Bearing Surfaces Changed Expectations Regarding the Longevity of Total Hip Arthroplasty?
Engh CA Jr., McAsey CJ, Cororaton AD, Ho H, Hopper RH Jr
The purpose of this study is to examine six types of bearing surfaces implanted at a single institution over three decades to determine whether the reasons for revision vary among the groups and how long it takes to identify differences in survival. We considered six cohorts that included a total of 1,707 primary hips done between 1982 and 2010. These included 223 conventional polyethylene sterilized with γ irradiation in air (CPE-GA), 114 conventional polyethylene sterilized with gas plasma (CPE-GP), 116 crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE), 1,083 metal-on-metal (MOM), 90 ceramic-on-ceramic (COC), and 81 surface arthroplasties (SAs). With the exception of the COC, all other groups used cobalt-chromium (CoCr) femoral heads. The mean follow-up was 10 (0.008 to 35) years. Descriptive statistics with revisions per 100 component years (re/100 yr) and survival analysis with revision for any reason as the endpoint were used to compare bearing surfaces. XLPE liners demonstrated a lower cumulative incidence of revision at 15 years compared to the CPE-GA and CPE-GP groups owing to the absence of wear-related revisions (4% for XLPE vs 18%, p = 0.02, and 15%, p = 0.003, respectively). Revisions for adverse local tissue reactions occurred exclusively among the MOM (0.8 re/100 year) and SA groups (0.1 re/100 year). The revision rate for instability was lower among hips with 36 mm and larger head sizes compared to smaller head sizes (0.2% vs 2%, p < 0.001). The introduction of XLPE has eliminated wear-related revisions through 15-year follow-up compared to CPE-GP and CPE-GA. Dislocation incidence has been reduced with the introduction of larger diameter heads but remains a persistent concern. The potential for adverse local tissue reactions with MOM requires continued follow-up.
Read more: Bone and Joint Journal 2020 Jul doi:10.1302/0301-620X.102B7 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):105-111
Bone Attachment on a New Design of Cementless Stem and a Widely Used Cup; Postmortem Retrieval Findings
Gilmartin NF, Hamilton WG, Park SH, Al-Shihabi L, Campbell P
This was a postmortem retrieval study to assess bone fixation in a hydroxyapatite-coated ACTIS stem and a beaded Pinnacle Sector cup retrieved from an 89-year-old man 15-months postoperatively. Previous radiographic examinations showed good implant fixation without any radiolucency. The sectioned cup and stem showed good fixation on visual, microradiographic, and histological examinations. Slight changes in bone density and mineral content were observed. Clinical fixation was achieved in both components with variable degrees of bone ingrowth and ongrowth at 15 months postoperatively in this postmortem retrieval case.
Read more: JBJS Case Connector 2020 Jun;10:e19.00560http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.CC.19.00560
Using Pharmacogenetics to Structure Individual Pain Management Protocols in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Pilot Study
Hamilton WG, Gargiulo JM, Parks NL
The purpose of this study was to use pharmacogenetics to determine the frequency of genetic variants in our total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients that could affect postoperative pain medications. Pharmacogenetic testing evaluates patient DNA to determine if a drug is expected to have a normal clinical effect, heightened effect, or no effect at all on the patient. It also predicts whether patients are likely to experience side effects from medicine. We further sought to determine if changing the multimodal programme based on these results would improve pain control or reduce side effects. In this pilot study, buccal samples were collected from 31 primary TKA patients. Pharmacogenetics testing examined genetic variants in genes OPRM1, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6. These genes affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. We examined the frequency of genetic variants to any of the medications we prescribed including celecoxib, hydrocodone, and tramadol. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: the control group received the standard postoperative pain regimen, and the study group received a customized regimen based on the pharmacogenetic results. For the first ten postoperative days, patients recorded pain scores, medication, and side effects. Genetic variants involving one or more medications in the multimodal pain protocol occurred in 13 of the 31 patients (42%). In total, eight patients (26%) had variants affecting more than one of the medications. For the 25 patients who recorded pain and medication logs, the mean pain levels and morphine equivalents (MEQs) consumed in the first ten days were higher in the control group than in the custom-guided group (p = 0.019 for pain and p = 0.655 for MEQ). Overall, 42% of patients had a variant involving one of the pain medications prescribed in our perioperative pain program for TKA. Ongoing research will help determine if using these data to modify a patient's medication will improve outcomes.
Read more: Bone and Joint Journal 2020 Jun;102-B(6_Supple_A):73-78. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.102B6.BJJ-2019-1539.R1.
A Lower Threshold for Revision of Aseptic Unicompartmental vs Total Knee Arthroplasty
Johnson WB Jr, Engh CA Jr, Parks NL, Hamilton WG, Ho H, Fricka KB
It has been hypothesized that a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is more likely to be evised than a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) because conversion surgery to a primary TKA is a less complicated procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a lower threshold for revising a UKA compared with TKA based on Oxford Knee Scores (OKSs) and range of movement (ROM) at the time of revision. We retrospectively reviewed 619 aseptic revision cases performed between December 1998 and October 2018. This included 138 UKAs that underwent conversion to TKA and 481 initial TKA revisions. Age, body mass index (BMI), time in situ, OKS, and ROM were available for all patients. There were no differences between the two groups based on demographics or time to revision. The top reasons for aseptic TKA revision were loosening in 212 (44%), instability in 88 (18%), and wear in 69 (14%). UKA revision diagnoses were primarily for loosening in 50 (36%), progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in 50 (36%), and wear in 17 (12%). Out of a maximum 48 points, the mean OKS of the UKAs before revision was 23 (SD 9.3), which was significantly higher than the TKAs at 19.2 (SD 9.8; p < 0.001). UKA patients scored statistically better on nine of the 12 individual OKS questions. The UKA cases also had a larger pre-revision mean ROM (114°, SD 14.3°) than TKAs (98°, SD 25°) ; p < 0.001). At revision, the mean UKA OKSs and ROM were significantly better than those of TKA cases. This study suggests that at our institution there is a difference in preoperative OKS between UKA and TKA at the time of revision, demonstrating a revision bias.
Read more: Bone and Joint Journal 2020 Jun;102-B(6_Supple_A):91-95. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.102B6.BJJ-2019-1538
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Clinical Practice Guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, and Knee Society
Fillingham YA, Hannon CP, Roberts KC, AAHKS Anesthesia & Analgesia Clinical Practice Guideline Workgroup, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), The Hip Society, The Knee Society and The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine have worked together to develop evidence-based guidelines on the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of these guidelines is to improve the treatment of orthopedic surgical patients and reduce practice variation by promoting a multidisciplinary evidenced-based approach on the use of NSAIDs following primary TJA.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 May 29;S0883-5403(20)30583-0
The Efficacy and Safety of Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Systemic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis
Fillingham YA, Hannon CP, Erens GA, Mullen K, Casambre F, Visvabharathy V, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
Oral and intravenous (IV) acetaminophen has become widely used perioperatively as part of a multi-modal pain management protocol for primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen in support of the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published prior to September 2019 on acetaminophen in primary TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen. In total, 1287 publications were critically appraised yielding 17 publications representing the best available evidence for analysis. Oral and IV acetaminophen demonstrates the ability to safely reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption during the inpatient hospital stay. No evidence was available to assess the efficacy and safety of oral acetaminophen after discharge. Moderate evidence supports the use of oral and IV acetaminophen as a non-opioid adjunct for pain management during the inpatient hospitalization. Strong evidence supports the safety of oral and IV acetaminophen when appropriately administered to patients undergoing primary TJA. Although there is lack of robust evidence for use of acetaminophen following discharge, it remains a low-cost and low-risk option as part of a multimodal pain regimen.
The Efficacy and Safety of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Systemic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis
Fillingham YA, Hannon CP, Roberts KC, Mullen K, Casambre F, Riley C, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have become widely used to manage perioperative pain following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs in support of the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management. Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published prior to November 2018 on NSAIDs in TJA. Studies included after a systematic review evaluated through direct comparisons and/or meta-analysis, including qualitative and quantitative heterogeneity testing, to evaluate effectiveness and safety of NSAIDs. After critical appraisal of 2921 publications, 25 articles represented the best available evidence for inclusion in the analysis. Oral selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and non-selective NSAIDs and intravenous ketorolac safely reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption during the hospitalization for primary TJA. Administration of an oral selective COX-2 NSAID reduced postoperative opioid consumption after discharge from TKA. Strong evidence supports the use of an oral selective COX-2 or non-selective NSAID and intravenous ketorolac as adjunctive medications to manage postoperative pain during the hospitalization for TJA. Although no safety concerns were observed, prescribers need to remain vigilant when prescribing NSAIDs.
The Efficacy and Safety of Opioids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Systemic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis
Hannon CP, Fillingham YA, Nam D, Courtney PM, Curtin BM, Vigdorchik J, Mullen K, Casambre F, Riley C, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
Opioids are frequently used to treat pain after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of opioids in primary TJA to support the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials were searched for studies published before November 2018 on opioids in TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of opioids. Preoperative opioid use leads to increased opioid consumption and complications after TJA along with a higher risk of chronic opioid use and inferior patient-reported outcomes. Scheduled opioids administered preemptively, intraoperatively, or postoperatively reduce the need for additional opioids for breakthrough pain. Prescribing fewer opioid pills after discharge is associated with equivalent functional outcomes and decreased opioid consumption. Tramadol reduces postoperative opioid consumption but increases the risk of postoperative nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and dizziness. Moderate evidence supports the use of opioids in TJA to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Opioids should be used cautiously as they may increase the risk of complications, such as respiratory depression and sedation, especially if combined with other central nervous system depressants or used in the elderly.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 May 27:S0883-5403(20)30572-6
Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Clinical Practice Guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, and Knee Society
Fillingham YA, Hannon CP, Erens GA, AAHKS Anesthesia & Analgesia Clinical Practice Guideline Workgroup, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), The Hip Society, The Knee Society, and The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine have worked together to develop evidence-based guidelines on the use of acetaminophen in primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of these guidelines is to improve the treatment of orthopedic surgical patients and reduce practice variation by promoting a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach on the use of acetaminophen following primary TJA.
Opioids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Clinical Practice Guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, and Knee Society
Hannon CP, Fillingham YA, Nam D, Courtney PM, Curtin BM, Vigdorchik JM, Buvanendran A, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ, AAHKS Anesthesia & Analgesia Clinical Practice Guideline Workgroup
The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), The Hip Society, The Knee Society, and The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine worked together to develop evidence-based guidelines on the use of opioids in primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of these guidelines is to improve the treatment of orthopedic surgical patients and reduce practice variation by promoting a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach on the use of opioids following primary TJA.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 May 26;S0883-5403(20)30574-X
The Efficacy and Safety of Gabapentinoids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Systemic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis
Hannon CP, Fillingham YA, Browne JA, Schemitsch EH, Mullen K, Casambre F, Visvabharathy V, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
Gabapentinoids are commonly used as an adjunct to traditional pain management strategies after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentinoids in primary TJA to support the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published prior to November 2018 on gabapentinoids in TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of gabapentinoids. In total, 384 publications were critically appraised to provide 13 high-quality studies regarded as the best available evidence for analysis. In the perioperative period prior to discharge, pregabalin reduces postoperative opioid consumption, but gabapentinoids do not reduce postoperative pain. After discharge, gabapentin does not reduce postoperative pain or opioid consumption, but pregabalin reduces both postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Moderate evidence supports the use of pregabalin in TJA to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Gabapentinoids should be used with caution, however, as they may lead to an increased risk of sedation and respiratory depression especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants such as opioids.
Gabapentinoids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Clinical Practice Guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, and Knee Society
Hannon CP, Fillingham YA, Browne JA, Schemitsch EH, AAHKS Anesthesia & Analgesia Clinical Practice Guideline Workgroup, Buvanendran A, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), The Hip Society, The Knee Society, and The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine have worked together to develop evidence-based guidelines on the use of gabapentinoids in primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of these guidelines is to improve the treatment of orthopedic surgical patients and reduce practice variation by promoting a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach on the use of gabapentinoids following primary TJA.
Multimodal Analgesia for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Eliminating Opioids as the Cornerstone of Postoperative Pain Management
Fillingham YA, Hannon CP, Buvanendran A, Hamilton WG, Della Valle CJ
In 1996, the campaign to help prevent under assessment and poor management of pain popularized the slogan, "pain as the 5th vital sign." The basis of the campaign was to make healthcare workers place the same importance on pain assessment as the existing 4 vital signs. The campaign led to widespread adoption within the medical field. As a result, the United States Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey included the question "How often did the hospital or provider do everything in their power to control your pain?" This formally established a connection between the treatment of pain and the United States Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey used to facilitate reimbursement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The unintended consequence of the emphasis on pain assessment and treatment and reimbursement to healthcare systems may have contributed to the opioid epidemic in the United States. As a result, many medical specialties and regulatory bodies have withdrawn their support of the "pain as the 5th vital sign" campaign.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 May 23;S0883-5403(2)30576
Narcotic Consumption in Opioid Naïve Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Dattilo JR, Cororaton AD, Gargiulo JM, McDonald JM III, Ho H, Hamilton WG
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with increased risk of prolonged narcotic requirement compared to total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aims to compare acute postoperative narcotic consumption between the 2 procedures and quantify amount of narcotics used by opioid prescribed. From October 2017 to August 2019, patients were surveyed at 4-week follow-up to determine amount and duration of opioids used and whether they continued to require narcotics. Among 1332 patients who self-identified as opioid naïve, 670 underwent THA and 662 underwent TKA. Descriptive analysis was performed based on data type. The total morphine equivalent dose (MED) used in the postoperative period was lower in THA than in TKA (143 ± 160 vs 259 ± 250 MED, P < .001). The duration of use was shorter, total amount of pills consumed was lower, and refill rates were less in THA compared to TKA regardless of which opioid was prescribed. A smaller proportion of patients required narcotics at 4-week follow-up in THA compared to TKA. A postoperative prescription of 45 pills of any one type of narcotic was sufficient for nearly 90% of THA patients, and 60 pills of any one type of narcotic was appropriate for over 75% of TKA patients. THA is associated with less total narcotic consumption, shorter duration of use, less refills, and lower likelihood of requiring narcotics at 4-week follow-up. Percentiles of total narcotics consumed are provided to promote judicious postoperative prescribing patterns, and one could consider further reducing narcotics when utilizing our protocol, particularly for THA patients.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 May 4 PMID:342451281
Does a "July Effect" Exist for Fellowship Training in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty?
Dattilo JR, Parks NL, Ho H, Hopper RH Jr, McAsey CJ, Hamilton WG
The hypothetical association between health-care errors and the transition of the medical academic year has been termed the "July effect." Data supporting its existence are conflicting, particularly in orthopedic surgery, and prior studies have inappropriately grouped fellows with resident trainees. No studies to date have examined whether a training initiation effect exists among surgical fellows in adult reconstructive orthopedics. This is a level IV retrospective cohort study reviewing 15,650 primary hip and knee arthroplasties performed from 2006 to 2016 at a single institution. Forty arthroplasty fellows were trained during this 10-year period. Primary outcome measures included intraoperative complications, additional procedures, revisions, and nonoperative complications within 90 days of surgery. These complication rates were analyzed by quarter of academic year and by temporal progression through three-month fellowship rotations. There were no differences in intraoperative complication, revision, or nonoperative complication rates between any academic quarter. There was a single statistically lower rate of additional procedures in the third quarter (1.2%) than in the fourth quarter (1.8%, P = .04). The most common complication in this subset was wound dehiscence for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty and stiffness for patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. There was no difference in complication rates during the first, second, or third month as fellows progressed through a single rotation. This study does not support the existence of a training-initiation effect among fellows in adult hip and knee reconstruction. Graduated autonomy can be safely employed in a fellowship program without negatively impacting patient outcomes, ensuring the continued high-caliber training of future surgeons.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 May;35(5):1208-1213
Narcotic Consumption in Opioid Naïve Patients Undergoing Unicompartmental and Total Knee Arthroplasty
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with increased risk of prolonged narcotic requirement compared to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The purpose of the current study is to compare acute postoperative narcotic consumption between the 2 procedures and quantify narcotic consumption. From October 2017 to August 2019 patients were surveyed for four weeks to determine the amount and duration of opioids consumed and requirement for continued narcotics. Among 976 opioid naïve patients, 314 (32%) underwent UKA and 662 (68%) underwent TKA. Patients were analyzed according to specific narcotic prescribed. Total morphine equivalent dose (MED), number of pills, duration, refill percentage, and usage percentage for 4 weeks were calculated for each procedure. MED used in the postoperative period was lower in patients undergoing UKA than TKA (200 ± 195 vs 259 ± 250 MED, P = .002). Total number of pills consumed and duration of use was less in UKA compared to TKA regardless of which opioid was prescribed. A smaller proportion of patients required narcotics for 4 weeks after UKA (32% vs 43%, P < .001), and fewer UKA patients required narcotic refills (14% vs 27%, P < .001). Sixty pills of any 1 type of narcotic was sufficient for 90% of UKA patients and over 75% of TKA patients. UKA is associated with less narcotic consumption, shorter duration of use, less refills, and lower likelihood of narcotic requirement for 4 weeks. We report narcotic consumption patterns for both procedures to aid surgeons in judicious postoperative prescribing.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 Mar 18;S0883-5403(20)30272-2
The Impact of Coronal Alignment on Revision in Medial Fixed-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Slaven SE, Cody JP, Sershon RA, Ho H, Hopper RH Jr, Fricka KB
To better define the optimal alignment target for medial fixed-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), this study compares the postoperative mechanical alignment of well- functioning UKAs against 2 groups of failed UKAs, including revisions for progression of lateral compartment osteoarthritis ("Progression") and revisions for aseptic loosening or subsidence ("Loosening"). From our prospective institutional database of 3351 medial fixed- bearing UKAs performed since 2000, we identified 37 UKAs revised for Progression and 61 UKAs revised for Loosening. Each of these revision cohorts was matched based on age at surgery, gender, body mass index, and postoperative range of motion with unrevised UKAs that had at least 10 years of follow-up and a Knee Society Score of 70 or greater without subtracting points for alignment ("Success" groups). Postoperative alignment was quantified by the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle measured on long-leg alignment radiographs. The mean HKA angle at 4-month follow-up for the Progression group was 0.3° ± 3.6° of valgus compared to 4.4° ± 2.6° of varus for the matched Success group (P < 0.001). For the Loosening group, the mean HKA angle was 6.1° ± 3.1° of varus versus 4.0° ± 2.7° of varus for the matched Success group (P < 0.001). Patients with well- functioning UKAs at 10 years exhibited mild varus mechanical alignment of approximately 4°, whereas patients revised for progression of osteoarthritis averaged more valgus and those revised for loosening or subsidence averaged more varus. The optimal mechanical alignment for medial fixed-bearing UKA survival with contemporary polyethylene is likely slight varus.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2020 Feb;35(2):353-357
Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center vs Hospital Outpatient Setting: Complications, Revisions, and Readmissions
Sershon RA, McDonald JF III, Ho H, Goyal N, Hamilton WG
Outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilization continues to grow. Literature suggests outpatient THA may result in low rates of complications and readmission. There are no studies comparing safety profiles of THA performed at ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) vs hospital outpatient (HOP) settings. Prospectively collected data were reviewed on all patients who underwent THA from 2013 to 2018. ASC and HOP subgroups were compared, investigating difference in demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists subgroups, all complications, revisions, emergency department (ED) visits, and readmissions within the first 90 days of surgery. An additional subgroup analysis of patients younger than 65 years was performed. Two surgeons performed 3063 THAs during the study period, including 965 outpatient cases (ASC = 335; HOP = 630). Thirty-seven (3.8%) complications occurred within 90 days. No differences were found between groups for 90-day complication rates (ASC = 13, 3.9%; HOP = 24, 3.8%; P = .48), revision rates (ASC = 0, 0%; HOP = 2, .3%; P = .30), all-cause reoperation rates (ASC = 1, 0.3%; HOP = 5, 0.8%; P = .35), ED visits (ASC = 3, 0.9%; HOP = 2, 0.3%; P = .23), or readmission rates (ASC = 2, 0.6%; HOP = 9, 1.4%; P = .25). THA can be safely performed in both ASC and HOP settings with low 90-day postoperative complication, revision, reoperation, ED visit, and readmission rates. Based on the populations studied, we identified no statistically significant differences in rates of complications between ASC and HOP groups.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2019 Dec;34(12):2861-2865
The Effects of Bundled Payment Programs for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty on Patient -Reported Outcomes
Finch DJ, Pellegrini VD Jr, Franklin PD, Magder LS, Pelt CE, Martin BI; Pepper Investigators (Fricka, KB)
Patient-reported outcomes are essential to demonstrate the value of hip and knee arthroplasty, a common target for payment reforms. We compare patient-reported global and condition-specific outcomes after hip and knee arthroplasty based on hospital participation in Medicare's bundled payment programs. We performed a prospective observational study using the Comparative Effectiveness of Pulmonary Embolism Prevention after Hip and Knee Replacement trial. Differences in patient-reported outcomes through 6 months were compared between bundle and nonbundle hospitals using mixed-effects regression, controlling for baseline patient characteristics. Outcomes were the brief Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score or the brief Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Health Score, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, measures of joint function, overall health, and pain, respectively. Relative to nonbundled hospitals, arthroplasty patients at bundled hospitals had slightly lower improvement in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (-1.8 point relative difference at 6 months; 95% confidence interval -3.2 to -0.4; P = .011) and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (-2.3 point relative difference at 6 months; 95% confidence interval -4.0 to -0.5; P = .010). However, these effects were small, and the proportions of patients who achieved a minimum clinically important difference were similar. Preoperative to postoperative change in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Health Score and Numeric Pain Rating Scale demonstrated a similar pattern of slightly worse outcomes at bundled hospitals with similar rates of achieving a minimum clinically important difference. Patients receiving care at hospitals participating in Medicare's bundled payment programs do not have meaningfully worse improvements in patient-reported measures of function, health, or pain after hip or knee arthroplasty.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2019 Nov 26 pii:S0883-5403(19)31100-3
The Effects of Bundled Payment Programs for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty on Patient-Reported Outcomes
Bundled Payments for Care Improvement: Health System Experience with Lower Extremity Joint Replacement at Higher and Lower Volume Hospitals
McAsey CJ, Johnson EM, Hopper RH Jr, Engh CA Jr
The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative was introduced in 2013 to reduce Medicare healthcare costs while preserving or enhancing quality. We examined data from a metropolitan healthcare system comprised of 1 higher volume hospital and 4 lower volume hospitals that voluntarily elected to participate in the BPCI Major Joint Replacement of the Lower Extremity Model 2, beginning July 1, 2015. Stratifying the data by hospital volume, we determined how costs changed during the 16-month period when all 5 hospitals participated compared to the 1-year period preceding BPCI participation, where savings were achieved, and how the hospitals were rewarded. The Medicare data included the 90-day target for each episode and actual part A and part B spending for the anchor hospitalization plus all post-acute payments including inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health, outpatient physical therapy, and hospital readmissions. The mean episode of care cost decreased by 11.1% (from $21,324 to $18,953) at the higher volume hospitals and by 8.3% (from $25,724 to $23,584) at the lower volume hospitals during BPCI participation compared to the preceding year. The savings were achieved by reducing the use of inpatient rehabilitation, shortening the length of stay at skilled nursing facilities, and decreasing readmission rates. Although the higher volume hospital achieved an increased mean savings of $230 per episode compared to the lower volume hospitals ($2371 vs $2141), it was penalized $490 per episode after reconciling the actual Medicare expenditures with the BPCI targets while the lower volume hospitals received a mean reward of $315 per episode. The BPCI initiative decreased costs and readmissions within our healthcare system. Despite substantial savings compared to the preceding year, the higher volume hospital's low target derived from its 2009-2012 baseline costs was not achieved which resulted in a penalty and led it to withdraw from the BPCI initiative in October 2016.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2019 Oct;34(10):2284-2289
Periprosthetic Fracture Following Partial Knee Arthroplasty
Brown NM, Engh G, Fricka K
Partial knee arthroplasty is a procedure with long-term successful outcomes. However, there are several potential complications including retained cement fragments, bearing dislocation, infection, component loosening, medial collateral ligament injury, and overcorrection, leading to progressive arthritis. Periprosthetic fracture is an uncommon complication, with multiple reports showing an incidence of less than 1%. Hence, there are no established algorithms to guide treatment. A consecutive series of 2,464 patients who underwent partial knee arthroplasty between January 2009 and April 2017 was reviewed. We identified 16 patients with early periprosthetic fracture, with an incidence of 0.6%. All of these were tibial fractures, which occurred at a mean of 35 days postoperatively. There were 5 males and 11 females, with an average age of 70 years at the time of surgery. Average follow-up was 62 months. Two patients had contralateral compartment insufficiency fractures that were successfully treated nonoperatively, five patients immediately underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and nine patients underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Two of these cases had a failed ORIF and required conversion to TKA. Seven patients were successfully treated with a medial buttress plate in compression. Average Knee Society Score at final follow-up was 81, and average flexion was 115 degrees, with no patients having greater than 5-degree flexion contracture. Periprosthetic fracture following partial knee arthroplasty resulted in a high rate of conversion TKA. However, ORIF in select patients resulted in fracture healing and retention of the partial knee replacement. All patients were successfully treated with low complication rates, excellent range of motion, and acceptable knee scores at final follow-up.
Read more: Journal of Knee Surgery, 2019 Oct 32(10):947-952
Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Comparison Based on Surgical Approaches
Comparisons of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) based on surgical approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the United States are limited to series from single surgeons or institutions. Using prospective data from a large, multicenter study, we compare preoperative to postoperative changes in PROs between posterior, transgluteal, and anterior surgical approaches to THA. Patient-reported function, global health, and pain were systematically collected preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively from patients undergoing primary THA at 26 sites participating in the Comparative Effectiveness of Pulmonary Embolism Prevention After Hip and Knee Replacement (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02810704). Outcomes consisted of the brief Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Health score, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Operative approaches were grouped by surgical plane relative to the abductor musculature as being either anterior, transgluteal, or posterior. Between 12/12/2016 and 08/31/2019, outcomes from 3018 eligible participants were examined. At 1 month, the transgluteal cohort had a 2.2-point lower improvement in Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (95% confidence interval, 0.40-4.06; P = .017) and a 1.3-point lower improvement in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Health score (95% confidence interval, 0.48-2.04; P = .002) compared to posterior approaches. There was no significant difference in improvement between anterior and posterior approaches. At 3 and 6 months, no clinically significant differences in PRO improvement were observed between groups. PROs 6 months following THA dramatically improved regardless of the plane of surgical approach, suggesting that choice of surgical approach can be left to the discretion of surgeons and patients without fear of differential early outcomes.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2019 Oct 17 pii:S0883-5403(19)30975-1
Recurrent Hemarthrosis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Held MB, Grosso MJ, Sarpong NO, Hamilton WG, Sista AK, Macauley W
Recurrent hemarthrosis is a treatable complication following total knee arthroplasty that can cause debilitating symptoms that can affect outcomes following a total knee arthroplasty. Making a diagnosis of recurrent hemarthrosis can be difficult, especially if providers are not familiar with this potential complication. The use of lower-extremity magnetic resonance angiography has been shown to be successful in diagnosing this potential complication. Current management strategies range from conservative therapy to targeted genicular artery embolization to arthroscopic and open synovectomy. Prompt identification and treatment of hemarthrosis following total knee arthroplasty are critical to avoid permanent limitations of range of motion that may jeopardize the postoperative outcome.
Read more: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Reviews, 2019 Oct;7(10);e2
Protocol Development for Outpatient Total Joint Arthroplasty
Hamilton WG
Converting from an inpatient to an outpatient total joint arthroplasty program is achievable, with a concerted effort from all members of the clinical team. This paper highlights key factors that allow for a successful implementation of an outpatient center. First, consistent messaging about patient safety is crucial in helping to assuage the patient's concerns of getting an outpatient procedure, and to eliminate inpatient mentality. Next, earlier handout of prescriptions for medications, assisted devices, or web-based educational materials during preoperative preparations can also allow for a rapid home discharge. Finally, multimodal pain management before, during and after surgery can also pave the way for a smoother transition to daily living.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, 2019 Jul;34(7S):S46-S47
To Cement or Not? Five-Year Results of a Prospective, Randomized Study Comparing Cemented vs Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty
Fricka KB, McAsey CJ, Sritulanondha S
The optimal mode of fixation in total knee arthroplasty is a continuing subject of debate. Previously, we reported 2-year results for this prospective, randomized trial. Knee Society Scores, Oxford scores, and pain visual analog scales were collected pre-operatively and post -operatively. Minimum 5-year follow-up has been obtained with radiographic analysis for 85 patients. Mean Knee Society Scores and Oxford scores and patient-reported outcomes were similar in both groups. Each group had 1 additional revision, but neither was related to implant fixation. Survivorship with revision as an endpoint was equivalent (95.9% and 95.3%, P = .98). There was no significant difference in radiolucencies observed between groups (P = .10), all were non-progressive. Cementless and cemented total knee arthroplasty had equivalent patient- reported outcomes and survivorship at midterm follow-up. Updates are planned at 10 and 15-year intervals to observe long-term modes of failure between these 2 methods of fixation.
Read more: J Arthroplasty 2019 Jul;34(7S):S183-S187.
A Prospective, Randomized Study of Surgical Positioning Software Shows Improved Cup Placement in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Hamilton WG, Parks NL, McDonald JF III, Pfefferle KJ
Several technologies are available to assist surgeons with acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical positioning software would improve cup position compared with fluoroscopy. This prospective, randomized study compared 200 primary total hip arthroplasty cups placed with and without surgical positioning software. All cases were performed by a single surgeon using the direct anterior approach with fluoroscopy. The target abduction and anteversion angles were set at 40° and 20°, respectively, and measured postoperatively. Cup placement time, total fluoroscopy time, and cup position were compared between groups. Mean abduction was 40.4° (range, 32.7°−49.0°) in the software group compared with 42.3° (range, 33.7°−51.1°) in the control group. The cups placed using software were significantly closer to the target abduction angle (P<.001) with fewer outliers. Mean anteversion was 20.8° (range, 11.2°−31.7°) in the software group compared with 21.8° (range, 11.3°−34.3°) in the control group (P=.063). Eighty-seven percent of cups in the software group fell within 5° of the abduction target, compared with only 68% in the control group (P<.01). Cup placement took longer in the software group (7:04 minutes vs 4:58 minutes, P<.001), and 2 seconds more total fluoroscopy time was used in that group as well (12.9 seconds vs 11.1 seconds, P<.001). The software improved both the accuracy and the precision of cup placement, with only modest increases in surgical time and fluoroscopy time.
Read more: Orthopedics, Jan 2019;42(1):42-47
CORR Insights Commentary: Radiostereometric Analysis Permits In Vivo Measurement of Very Small Levels of Wear in TKA
Hopper RH Jr
Dr. Robert Hopper, the Director of Research at AORI, comments on the topic (and rates) of polyethylene wear in total knee arthroplasty.
Read more: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Jan 2019;477(1):91-94
Do Well-functioning THAs Retrieved at Autopsy Exhibit Evidence of Fretting and Corrosion?
Lange J, Wach A, Koch CN, Hopper RH Jr, Ho H, Engh CA Jr, Wright TM, Padgett DE
Our understanding of fretting and corrosion at head-neck junctions in modular THAs in vivo is based largely on the analysis of retrieved implants removed for various diagnoses. Little is known about the condition of head-neck tapers in well-functioning THAs. Regarding a cohort of well-functioning autopsy-retrieved modular THAs, we asked: (1) Does trunnion geometry or femoral head material affect the pull-off force of the femoral head? (2) Is there a relationship between trunnion damage and length of implantation time, head diameter, and neck length? (3) Does visual damage scoring accurately determine the presence or absence of corrosion on cobalt-chrome trunnions? Sixty-six femoral stems and engaged femoral heads were retrieved at autopsy from 53 patients at Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute from 1998 to 2014. Ten stems were excluded for low stem design group size or insufficient head-stem clearance for pull-off testing, leaving a cohort of 56 THAs with a median implantation time of 10 years (range, 1-24 years). The femoral stems included three cobalt-chrome (CoCr) designs from a single manufacturer with either a 12/14 or 14/16 trunnion design (N = 36 and 20, respectively) mated with alumina or CoCr heads (N = 13 and 43, respectively). The force required to pull off the femoral heads was measured using a uniaxial load frame according to ASTM F2009-00. Mating surfaces were visually examined to assess the presence and severity of fretting and corrosion using a modified Goldberg scoring system. Three 12/14 trunnions of similar implantation lengths and varied damage scores were selected for imaging with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) to confirm the absence or presence of corrosion damage. No difference was seen in pull-off force between groups based on trunnion geometry and head material (median [range], alumina-12/14: 3127 [2320-6992] N, alumina-14/16: 2670 [1095-7919] N, CoCr-12/14: 2255 [1332-5939] N, CoCr-14/16: 2812 [1655-4246] N; P = 0.132). A positive correlation was found between damage score and length of implantation (P = 0.543, p < 0.001). However, no correlation between damage score and either head diameter or neck length was found (P = -0.012, P = 0.930 and P < 0.001, P = 0.995, respectively). In all, 39 of 56 specimens demonstrated no fretting or corrosion, and 16 specimens had mild damage scores. One specimen demonstrated severe corrosion without visual evidence of fretting. The presence of intergranular corrosion on this trunnion was determined by SEM imaging and EDAX. The absence of corrosion products on two trunnions with no observed damage was confirmed. This study found little evidence of fretting and corrosion in a cohort of well-functioning CoCr-CoCr and alumina-CoCr head-neck couples. Further studies are necessary to characterize fretting and corrosion at head-neck junctions of well-functioning implants of other designs and manufacturers. The results from this study suggest that patients with well-functioning THAs using polyethylene bearing surfaces with alumina or CoCr heads appear to be at low risk for trunnion corrosion for the specific CoCr alloy stems and trunnion geometries analyzed here.
Read more: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Oct 2018;476(10):2017-2024
Periprosthetic Femur Fractures
Kinney MC, Engh CA Jr
As total hip arthroplasty rates continue to increase worldwide, so too does the prevalence of periprosthetic femur fractures. To properly manage these often-complex fractures, orthopaedic surgeons must have a systematic method for evaluating the patient as well as the fracture pattern. This review examines the demographic- and implant-specific factors that predispose patients to periprosthetic fractures with the goal of mitigating the risk of occurrence and improving patient counseling. Furthermore, with the development of new techniques and modern implants for the management of periprosthetic femur fractures, more tools are now available to address these complications and optimize patient outcomes.
Read more: Seminars in Arthroplasty, Sept 2018;29(3):166-171
Simultaneous Bilateral Anterior Hips: Double Trouble-Opposes
Tauchen AJ, Hushmendy S, Parks NL, Pfefferle KJ, Hamilton WG
The purpose of this study was to compare a matched series of simultaneous bilateral anterior THA and unilateral anterior THA. 109 patients undergoing bilateral surgery were matched to a group of 218 patients undergoing unilateral surgery. In-hospital and 30-day complications were recorded. Bilateral patients did not experience an increased complication rate. Bilateral patients sustained greater blood loss with a higher likelihood of transfusion, but with attention to blood loss and hemoglobin, there was no higher incidence of complications in the bilateral group, and bilateral total hip arthroplasty was performed safely.
Read more: Seminars in Arthroplasty, Sept 2018;29(3):161-165\
The Lawrence D. Dorr Surgical Techniques & Technologies Award: "Running Two Rooms" Does Not Compromise Outcomes or Patient Safety in Joint Arthroplasty
Hamilton WG, Ho H, Parks NL, Strait AV, Hopper RH Jr, McDonald JF, Goyal N, Fricka KB, Engh CA Jr
Scrutiny from the federal government and the media regarding the safety of 1 surgeon doing cases in 2 operating rooms (ORs) on the same day, prompted us to examine our own institutional data. Over the past 11 years, surgeons at our facility have operated consecutively in 1 OR on a given day or used 2 alternating ORs. This study compares these cases with a focus on revisions and complications in both groups. Six surgeons performed a total of 16,916 primary hip and knee arthroplasties from 2006-2016. 7002 cases (41%) were consecutive cases (CCs) and 9914 cases (59%) were overlapping cases (OCs). Intraoperative complications, component revisions, and postoperative complications within 90 days of surgery were compared between the CC and OC groups. There was no difference in intraoperative complication rates between the two groups (CC 1.6% vs. OC 1.7%, relative risk 1.082, 95% confidence interval 0.852 to 1.375, P = .52). There was no difference in 90-day component revision rates among the CC and OC groups (0.66% vs. 0.85% respectively, relative risk = 1.290, 95% confidence interval 0.901 to 1.845, P = .19). There was also no difference in 90-day complication rates among the CC and OC groups (1.33% vs. 1.45% respectively, relative risk = 1.094, 95% confidence interval 0.844 to 1.417, P = .54). This large study of a single institution with multiple surgeons over an 11-year period shows no compromise in patient safety or outcomes when comparing cases done in either consecutive or overlapping rooms.
Read more: Journal of Arthroplasty, July 2018;33(7S):S8-S12
Operating Room Traffic in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Identifying Patterns and Training the Team to Keep the Door Shut
Hamilton WG, Balkam CB, Purcell RL, Parks NL, Holdsworth JE
Surgical site infections after joint arthroplasty are devastating complications and are influenced by patient, surgical, and operating room environmental factors. In an effort to reduce the incidence of door openings (DOs) during total joint arthroplasty cases, this prospective observational study consisted of 3 phases. Phase 1 determined the baseline incidence of DOs, followed by installation of a mechanical door counter (phase 2). Finally, an educational seminar was presented to all personnel (phase 3) regarding the implications frequent DOs have on patient and surgical outcomes. The average openings per case (OPC) for each of the 3 phases were 33.5, 34.2, and 27.7, respectively. There was a 17% reduction in OPC between phases 1 and 3 ( P = .02). There were no significant differences between knee and hip arthroplasty cases during the 3 phases ( P = .21, P = .46, and P = .81, respectively). There was a strong correlation between length of surgery and OPC, with a Pearson coefficient of r = 0.87 during phase 3. To account for differences in average operative time between phases, data were normalized for the length of surgery with the ratio of door openings per minute determined (0.36, 0.34, and 0.32 for each phase, respectively). We were able to show that simply monitoring door openings during joint arthroplasty was not effective in reducing the occurrences. However, after a novel educational seminar given to all personnel, we were able to significantly reduce the incidence of operating room door openings, reducing a potential risk factor for surgical site infections.
Read more: American Journal of Infection Control, June 2018;46(6):633-636
Elimination of Preoperative Flexion Contracture as a Contraindication for Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Purcell RL, Cody JP, Ammeen DJ, Goyal N, Engh GA
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the management of unicondylar osteoarthritis. Historical contraindications limit patients' eligibility for UKA. However, recent reports have suggested that some contraindications may not be absolute. This study evaluates preoperative flexion contracture with regard to UKA. This study was a retrospective review of 53 patients with preoperative flexion contracture between 11° and 20° who underwent fixed-bearing UKA and a matched cohort of 53 patients who underwent cruciate-retaining TKA. Preoperatively, the average flexion contracture was 13.8° in the UKA group and 14.1° in the TKA group (P = 0.42). Mean preoperative motion was greater in the patients treated with UKA (106°) than in those treated with TKA (97°; P < 0.001). Postoperatively, patients who underwent UKA had greater motion than patients who underwent TKA had (121° versus 113°; P < 0.01). Residual flexion contracture was greater in the UKA group (4.1°) than in the TKA group (2.1°; P = 0.02). The two groups demonstrated similar improvements in Knee Society clinical scores (P = 0.32). However, patients treated with UKA demonstrated higher Knee Society functional scores, compared with patients treated with TKA (86 versus 75; P = 0.03). Although residual flexion contracture was worse after UKA, this group had similar clinical improvement, greater postoperative motion, and greater function scores, compared with the matched TKA group. Preoperative flexion contracture >5° may not be an absolute contraindication to UKA. The contraindications to UKA regarding flexion contracture may not be as absolute as previously thought. Larger, prospective studies are needed to generalize these findings to a wider population.
Read more: J Am Acad Orthop Surg, April 2018;26(7);e158-e163.
Is Outpatient Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Safe to Perform at an Ambulatory Surgery Center? A Comparative Study of Early Post-Operative Complications
Cody JP, Pfefferle KJ, Ammeen DJ, Fricka KB
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) lends itself to the outpatient surgical setting. Prior literature has established a low rate of readmission and post-operative complications when performed in a hospital outpatient setting (HOP). To our knowledge, there have been no studies comparing complications of UKA performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and those in a HOP. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent outpatient UKA by a single surgeon from 2012 to 2016. In all 569 outpatient UKAs were performed: 288 in the ASC group and 281 in the HOP group. We compared the groups with regard to all complications within the first 90 days after surgery. Thirty minor and major complications occurred within 90 days (5.3%). There was no difference in the overall complication rate between groups (ASC 12, 4.2% HOP 18, 6.4%) ( P = .26). Day of surgery admission occurred once in the HOP group (0.4%) and did not occur in the ASC group ( P = .49). There was 1 visit to the emergency department (ED) <24 hours from surgery in each group (ASC 0.3%, HOP 0.4%) ( P = 1.0). ED visits occurred within 7 days in 3 ASC cases (1.0%) and 4 HOP cases (1.4%) ( P = .72). Re-admissions in the first 90 days occurred in 5 ASC cases (1.7%) and 8 HOP cases (2.8%) ( P = .41). UKA at an ASC has a low early postoperative complication rate without increased risk of re-admission or ED evaluation when compared to UKAs performed at a HOP.
Read more: J Arthroplasty, March 2018;33(3); 673-676.
Otto Aufranc Award-Crosslinking Reduces THA Wear, Osteolysis, and Revision Rates at 15-year Followup Compared with Noncrosslinked Polyethylene
Hopper RH Jr, Ho H, Sritulanondha S, Williams AC, Engh CA Jr
Do patients who underwent THA with XLPE liners demonstrate (1) a lower rate of revision for wear-related complications; (2) a reduced wear rate; and (3) a lower frequency of osteolysis compared with those with CPE liners? Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) liners used for primary THA have demonstrated lower wear rates than noncrosslinked, conventional polyethylene (CPE) liners through the first decade of clinical service. However, little high-quality evidence is currently available regarding the second decade performance of these implants and it remains uncertain whether the onset of osteolysis has simply been delayed or if the wear associated with XLPE liners will remain low enough that osteolysis will not occur. It is also unknown how the potential reductions in wear and osteolysis will influence long-term revision rates. This randomized study with followup into the second decade demonstrated reductions in revision, wear, and osteolysis associated with the use of XLPE. The low wear rates and absence of any mechanical failures among the XLPE liners at long-term followup affirm the durability of these components that did not incorporate antioxidants. Although osteolysis has not been eliminated, it occurs infrequently and has not caused any clinical problems to date.
Read more: Clin Orthop Relat Res., Feb 2018;476(2):279-290.
Long-term Bone Remodelling Around "Legendary" Cementless Femoral Stems
Riviere C, Grappiolo G, Engh CA Jr, Vidalain JP, Chen AF, Boehler N, Matta J, Vendittoli PA
Bone remodelling around a stem is an unavoidable long-term physiological process highly related to implant design. For some predisposed patients, it can lead to periprosthetic bone loss secondary to severe stress-shielding, which is thought to be detrimental by contributing to late loosening, late periprosthetic fracture, and thus rendering revision surgery more complicated. However, these concerns remain theoretical, since late loosening has yet to be documented among bone ingrowth cementless stems demonstrating periprosthetic bone loss associated with stress-shielding. Because none of the stems replicate the physiological load pattern on the proximal femur, each stem design is associated with a specific load pattern leading to specific adaptiv periprosthetic bone remodelling. In their daily practice, orthopaedic surgeons need to differentiate physiological long-term bone remodelling patterns from pathological conditions such as loosening, sepsis or osteolysis. To aid in that process, we decided to clarify the behaviour of the five most used femoral stems. In order to provide translational knowledge, we decided to gather the designers' and experts' knowledge and experience related to the design rationale and the long-term bone remodelling of the following femoral stems we deemed 'legendary' and still commonly used: Corail (Depuy); Taperloc (Biomet); AML (Depuy); Alloclassic (Zimmer); and CLS-Spotorno (Zimmer).
Read more: EFFORT Open Reviews, Feb 2018;3;45-56.
Comparison of Wound Complications and Deep Infections With Direct Anterior and Posterior Approaches in Obese Hip Arthroplasty Patients
Purcell RL, Parks NL, Cody JP, Hamilton WG
The purpose of this study was to compare the posterior approach (PA) with the direct anterior approach (DAA) among obese and nonobese total hip arthroplasty patients to determine if obese DAA patients have a higher risk of infection or wound complications compared with obese PA patients. We retrospectively evaluated 4651 primary total hip cases performed via anterior approach or PA between 2009 and 2015. Patients were divided into 4 study groups based on approach and body mass index (BMI): (1) DAA <35 kg/m 2, (2) DAA ≥35 kg/m 2, (3) PA <35 kg/m 2, and (4) PA ≥35 kg/m 2. Infection rates and wound complications were compared. The rate of deep infection in groups 1 and 3 (nonobese anterior vs posterior) was 0.28% and 0.36%, respectively (P = .783); and in groups 2 and 4 (obese anterior vs posterior) was 2.35% and 2.7%, respectively (P = .80). The rate of wound complications between groups 1 and 3 (nonobese) was 1.0% and 0.3%, respectively (P = .005). Between groups 2 and 4 (obese), the rates of complications were 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively (P = 1.0). There was no difference in reoperation rates for wounds between groups 1 and 3 or between groups 2 and 4 (P = .217, P = .449). In the largest available series, there was no difference in deep infection rates between the 2 approaches. In the subset of obese patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m 2, there was no increased risk of deep infection or wound complications in DAA patients compared with PA patients. However, anterior hip cases experienced higher rates of superficial wound complications compared with posterior cases across all BMIs.
Read more: J Arthroplasty, Jan 2018;33(1);220-223.
The introduction statement for Seminars in Arthroplasty
Read more: Seminars in Arthroplasty, Dec 2017;28(4);193.
Intraoperative Fluoroscopy with a Direct Anterior Approach Reduces Variation in Acetabular Cup Abduction Angle
Goodman GP, Goyal N, Parks NL, Hopper RH Jr, Hamilton WG
The purpose of this study was to compare acetabular cup position for 2 cohorts of total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients who had a direct anterior approach. 100 THA cases were performed with an anterior approach using intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF) to aid in cup positioning. Another group of 100 cases underwent THA with an anterior approach without the use of any fluoroscopy. Postoperative abduction and anteversion angles were measured using Martell's hip analysis software. Mean abduction angle was 43.2° (standard deviation (SD) = 4.5°) for the IF group versus 37.5°(SD = 7.4°) for cases without IF (p<0.001). 18% more cases with IF fell within the Lewinnek safe zone (p<0.001); however, a similar number of cases had over 50° of abduction. The mean anteversion angles of the two groups were also significantly different (IF 21.8° vs. 24.9°) (p<0.01). There was significantly less variation in cup position among the cases using IF with regards to abduction.
Read more: Hip International, Nov 2017;27(6);573-577.
Perioperative Pain Management and Anesthesia: A Critical Component to Rapid Recovery Total Joint Arthroplasty
Russo MW, Parks NL, Hamilton WG
Multimodal pain management has become the standard of care following total hip and knee replacement. The advantages include decreasing opioid consumption and its associated side effects, facilitating earlier mobilization, and faster return to function. An effective rapid recovery protocol includes the use of multiple different types of medications targeting each area of the pain pathway, preemptive analgesia, regional nerve blockade, and local infiltration analgesia.
Read more: Orthop Clin North Am., Oct 2017;48(4);401-405.
Comparative Incidence of Patellofemoral Complications Between Two Total Knee Systems in a Multi-Center, Prospective Clinical Study
Toomey SD, Daccach J, Shah J, Himden S. Lesko J, Hamilton WG
Cumulative incidence rates (CIRs) of patellofemoral complications (PCCs) and patellofemoral symptomatic crepitus (SC) using a new knee system-total knee arthroplasty (NEW-TKA) were compared with those of a currently available product-total knee arthroplasty (CA-TKA). Twenty-two investigators prospectively enrolled 704 patients into a study using CA-TKA; 364 received a posterior-stabilized configuration. Twenty-three investigators (19 from the CA-TKA study) enrolled 1138 patients with NEW-TKA; 584 received a posterior-stabilized configuration. CIRs were estimated with Kaplan-Meier methods. CA-TKA had 32 PCCs (6.15% CIR at 1 year and 8.26% at 2 years). NEW-TKA had 19 PCCs (3.15% CIR at 1 year and 4.11% at 2 years). CA-TKA had 15 SCs, 12 before 2 years (CIR = 3.67%); NEW-TKA had 5 SCs before 2 years (CIR = 1.21%). NEW-TKA had a statistically lower CIR of overall PCC and SC (log-rank P values = .018 for PCC and .017 for SC). Interim 1- and 2-year CIRs of PCC and SC in NEW-TKA were less than half of those for CA-TKA, which is a promising trend for this new implant.
Read more: J Arthroplasty, Sept 2017;32(9S);S187-S192.
Lumbar Chance Fracture after Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty
Pitta M, Wallach C, Bauk C, Hamilton WG
This report describes a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) by the direct anterior approach and sustained a L4-5 extension fracture dislocation with neural deficits. A magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural hematoma at the site of the fracture causing critical stenosis. The patient was taken to the operating room for a L3-S1 posterior decompression with L2-pelvis posterior spinal fusion. AS and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis create a stiff spine that predisposes to fractures because of the larger moment arms experienced than normal spines. The arthroplasty surgeon performing THA should be aware and take precautions to reduce stress on the spine.
Read more: Arthroplasty Today, July 2017;3(4);247-250.
Patellar Cut and Composite Thickness: The Influence on Postoperative Motion and Complications in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Hamilton WG, Ammeen DJ, Parks NL, Goyal N, Engh GA, Engh CA Jr
Little data exist on the influence of patellar thickness on postoperative motion or complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study addresses the following questions: Is postoperative motion influenced by change in composite patellar thickness? Is change in patellar thickness associated with more complications? And do more complications occur in the knees with a patellar bone remnant (<12 mm) and a native patellar thickness <18 mm?
Read more: J Arthroplasty, June 2017;32(6);1803-1807.
Problems and Solutions of the Extensor Mechanism
Russo MW, Parks NL, Hamilton WG, Engh CA Jr
Disruption of the extensor mechanism in a total knee patient is a devastating complication. This article focuses on prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of a quadriceps tendon tear, patellar fracture, and patellar tendon rupture. Non-surgical management remains the standard of care in patients with a limited extensor lag. Reconstruction with an augment in more severe cases requires rigid fixation, coverage with host tissue, tensioning the augment material, and prolonged postoperative bracing in full extension. Patients continue to exhibit a high rate of complications following this uncommon and dire problem, so understanding the surgical risks and options is crucial.
Read more: Seminars in Arthroplasty, June 2017;28(2);91-95.
Outpatient Lower Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty: Where Are We Heading
Banerjee S, Hamilton WG, Khanuja HS, Roberts JT
Surgeons have used a variety of approaches—strict patient selection, preoperative counseling, preemptive analgesia with anti-emetics, multimodal perioperative analgesic protocols that include adductor canal peripheral nerve blocks, wound infiltration with local anesthetics, less invasive surgical techniques, blood management with tranexamic acid, and completion of surgery by mid-morning or early afternoon—to enhance postoperative recovery, permit adjustment of medications, and allow timely discharge. Despite the appeal of outpatient arthroplasty, outcomes must be analyzed prior to its universal implementation in this era of cost reduction and savings and delivery of quality health care. The authors studied the outpatient total joint landscape, and reported their findings.
Read more: Orthopedics, March/April 2017;40(2):72-75
Commentary-No Smoking Allowed: Is the Operating Room the Next Place that Smoking Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty Will Be Banned?
Smoking has previously been identified to be a substantial health risk outside of the frame of total joint arthroplasty. Dr. Hamilton comments on a recently published article, "Smoking Increases the Rate of Reoperation for Infection within 90 Days After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty", which attempts to answer the question: how does smoking influence the outcomes of total joint arthroplasty?
Read more: J Bone Joint Surg Am, Feb 2017;15;99(4)
"As a surgeon-scientist, I enjoy the study of hip and knee replacements. I enjoy research because it allows me to study what I produce and makes me critically think about ways I can improve hip and knee replacements, it allows me to learn what works and what may not work as well."
Dr. Kevin B Fricka, MD, Clinical Investigator
The Anterior Approach: Better, Faster, and Cheaper
Tauchen AJ, Hamilton WG
Total hip arthroplasty is among the most common procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons and there are many different surgical approaches that can be used. The direct anterior approach offers numerous benefits when compared to other surgical approaches. Some of these include an inter-muscular plane that avoids violating the abductors, minimal soft-tissue disruption, easy use of fluoroscopy with resultant improved component positioning, earlier functional recovery, and potential cost savings. While the procedure does have a learning curve and takes time to master, it is a safe approach for total hip arthroplasty that yields excellent clinical outcomes.
Read more: Seminars in Arthroplasty, Dec 2016;27(4);210-213
Is The Anterior Approach Safe? Early Complication Rate Associated with 5090 Consecutive Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Procedures Performed Using the Anterior Approach
Barnett SL, Peters DJ, Hamilton WG, Ziran NM, Gorab RS, Matt JM
Few publications have raised concern with the safety of the anterior approach (AA) to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to report the early complications with AA THA in a combined, multicenter patient population from three different institutions. This large multicenter study of consecutive AA THAs demonstrates an acceptable risk profile within the first 90 days after surgery.
Read more: J Arthroplasty, Oct 2016;31(10):2291-94
CORR Insights Commentary on Dual-Mobility or Constrained Liners Are More Effective Than Preoperative Bariatric Surgery in Prevention of THA Dislocation
Dr. Hamilton reviews a recently published paper, "Dual-mobility or Constrained Liners Are More Effective Than Preoperative Bariatric Surgery in Prevention of THA Dislocation", and comments on the obesity epidemic and implications for total hip arthroplasty. In the commentary Dr. Hamilton identifies where we are in handling the crisis, where we need to go to tackle the challenges, and how we get there by laying out the steps that the orthopaedic community can use to reach our goals.
Read more: Clin Orthop Relat Res., Oct 2016;474(10):2211-2
2016 Otto Aufranc Award
A Multi-Center, Prospective, Randomized Study of Outpatient versus Inpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty
Goyal N, Padgett SE, Chen AF, Tan TL, Kheir MM, Hopper, RH Jr, Hamilton WG, Hozack WJ.
This award winning study found hip replacement surgery just as satisfying for outpatients as for those patients staying a minimum of one night in the hospital. Dr. Nitin Goyal, and Dr. William Hamilton of AORI and colleagues from The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, compared patient's overall satisfaction with their hip replacement and their next day pain levels. Over two hundred randomly chosen patients were assigned to the either go home the same day or stay at least one night. The study also compared the number of follow up calls, doctor visits and post-surgical problems. Patients who went home the same day experienced slightly higher pain levels on the day after surgery compared to those who had at least one-night hospital stay. But the outpatients had a higher overall satisfaction with their surgery. Neither group exceeded the other in calls to the doctor or follow-up issues. The results of this study suggest outpatient total hip replacements work well for some patients.
Read more: Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 Jun 10. 2013.
Clinical Faceoff: Where Are We Going With Femoral Stem Fixation in THA?
Moskal JT, Capps SG, Engh CA Jr, Troelsen A.
Dr. Andy Engh of AORI, Alexandria, VA, and Dr. Anders Troelsen of Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital alternately discuss the different trends in femoral stem fixation comparing the various methods of fixation in the US and Europe. Dr. Andy Engh states research shows cementless femoral implants are more durable for younger total hip replacement patients while cemented implants seem to work better with less fractures in older patients. Dr. Andy also remarks about the fact that North American doctors are generally not teaching how to cement so the practice is being used less. Dr. Anders suggested that the use of cement is still more common in Europe and that the practice of doing so needs to continue to be taught to the new generations of clinicians.
Read more: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11999-016-4799-y
Severely Obese Patients Have a Higher Risk of Infection After Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty.
Purcell RL, Parks NL, Gargiulo JM and Hamilton WG
Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute's clinical and scientific investigators: Dr. Rick Purcell, Nancy Parks, Jeanine Gargiulo and Dr. Bill Hamilton, reported that obese patients with a Body Mass Index of greater than 35, (≥35kg/m2), are at a substantially increased risk for a postoperative infection warranting revision surgery when the anterior surgical approach is used. This is likely due to the deep abdominal folds overlaying the incision. The investigators suggest comparative studies should be done using other surgical approaches with obese individuals to determine if the infections were primarily due to the approach or if significant increase in body mass increases overall risk of infections in hip patients.
Read more: J Arthroplasty. 2016 Mar 26. pii: S0883-5403(16)00326-0. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2016.03.037.
No Difference in Reoperations at 2 Years Between Ceramic-on-metal and Metal-on-metal THA: A Randomized Trial
Ench CA Jr, Sritulanondha S, Korczak A, Whalen TD, Naudie DDR, McCalden, RW, MacDonald SJ.
Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute investigators and fellow collaborators from Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Joint Replacement Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada, participated together in a prospective randomized trial comparing Ceramic-on-metal, (CoM), with Metal-on-metal, (MoM), bearings, the adjoined surfaces between the ball replacement on the top of the femur, and the cup insertion into the socket joint, or the acetabulum. Three hundred and ninety patients were enrolled in the trial at 11 different centers. Of the 390, 194 received ceramic-on-metal bearing surfaces while 196 received metal-on-metal bearings in their hip replacements. The short term follow-up for both groups showed successful performance of the hip implants. However, while the MoM group had a higher level of metal ions, the researchers decided that the CoM would need longer studies to see if it continued to perform well over time.
Read more: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®, February 2016, Volume 474, Issue 2, pp 447-455.
CORR Insights ® : Is There a Benefit to Modularity in 'Simpler" Femoral Revisions?
Engh, CA
Dr. Andy Engh of AORI comments on the article with the same name by Huddleston and colleagues. In his commentary, Dr. Andy shares the importance of using the best method for each individual patient so the patient returns to maximal functional ability and best quality of life.
Read more: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. DOI: 10.1007/s11999-105-4524-2.
"AORI has a database tracking hip and knee patients since the late 70's. Our surgeons operate on thousands of hip and knee joints a year. The high volume allows a much sooner observation of their outcomes."
Henry Ho, Senior Project Director
Short-term Results of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing in the United States.
Nam D, Nunley RM, Ruh EL, Engh CA Jr, Rogerson JS, Brooks PJ, Raterman SJ, Su EP, Barrack RL.
This group of collaborative investigators from 5 US centers including AORI were seeking information on success rates of Birmingham Hip Resurfacings done on 1271 patients between 2006-2008 in a 2 to 4 year follow up. Of the 1144 contacted either by phone or follow up appointments, only 16 patients needed revisions to total hip replacements. It appears the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing patients, 75% of whom were male were fairing as well as patients who had regular total hip replacements.
Read more: Orthopedics. 2015 Aug;38(8):e715-21. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20150804-60.
Greater Trochanteric Fragmentation After Failed Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty.
Panichkul P, Fricka KB, Hopper RH Jr, Engh CA Jr.
The AORI investigators take a clinical and scientific look at bone loss of the greater trochanter in two patients after hip revision surgeries for failed metal-on-metal (MoM) hips. Both patients had revision surgeries replacing the failed metal-on-metal with polyethylene bearings. Yet 1-2 years later, both of these patients developed greater trochanteric fragmentation. This study warns that necrotic tissues may include bone as well as soft tissue. Orthopaedic doctors may wish to become mindful of this and pay attention for symptoms in potential hip revision patients.
Read more: Orthopedics. 2015 May;38(5):e447-51. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20150504-93.
"Research is the eyesight for better patient care and the future of medicine."
Neone Smith, Scientific Investigator
The functional assessment test: a method of evaluating improvement in function after knee arthroplasty.
Engh GA, Sheridan MJ, Ammeen DJ.
Dr. Jerry Engh and research colleagues developed an easily administered timed test called the Functional Assessment test to determine if knee replacement patients improved their daily activity skills. The test included standing, walking and climbing stairs. The researchers concluded the FA test would be practical in a clinical environment.
Read more: J Arthroplasty. 2014 Apr;29(4):712-8. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.06.038. Epub 2013 Aug 1.
Metal ion levels after metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty: a five-year, prospective randomized trial.
Engh CA Jr, MacDonald SJ, Sritulanondha S, Korczak A, Naudie D, Engh C.
Fellow investigators from Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute in Alexandria, VA and London Health Sciences Centre-University Hospital Orthopaedics, Ontario Canada studied a randomized group of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The 105 patients did not know which of three categories of implant they would receive. The three types of implants used were as follows: 28-mm metal-on-polyethylene, 28-mm metal-on-metal or 36-mm metal-on-metal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration desired follow-up data for these after-market devices. Metal levels were tested in all patients. The outcome of the tests showed the metal-on-metal hip patients and particularly the 36-mm patients had higher levels of metal ions in their blood at the five-year follow up. The metal-on-polyethylene group had appreciably lower metal ions in their blood. The investigators indicate watching the metal-on-metal group closely.
Read more: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014 Mar 19;96(6):448-55. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.M.00164.
2013 OREF/CCJR Clinical Practice Award
Patient Specific Instruments do not Shorten Surgical Time: A Prospective, Randomized Trial
Hamilton WG, Parks NL, Saxena A.
AORI's Dr. Bill Hamilton won the 2013 OREF/CCJR Clinical Practice Award for his research comparing the amount of time it took to perform total knee replacements using patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) compared to using traditional instrumentation (TI). The PSI group's surgeries actually took an average of 4 minutes longer compared to the TI group. However, the TI surgeries required more instrument trays. In conclusion, surgery with patient specific instruments did not shorten the operation time.
Read more: J Arthroplasty. 2013 Sep;28(8 Suppl):96-100. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.04.049.
2013 AAHKS Dorr Award
Do you have to remove a corroded femoral stem?
Goyal N, Ho H, Fricka KB, Engh CA Jr.
Drs Fricka, Goyal and Anderson, of AORI discuss leaving securely placed femoral stems in the bone even if some corrosion exists. This retrospective study looked at 86 retrieved femoral heads from metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacements. The heads were evaluated after they were replaced with new components in living, healthy patients. Out of the 86 patients only 7 needed hip re-revisions. None of the re-revisions were due to corrosion of the stem. Since corrosion of the stems did not create a need for additional surgery, the AORI researchers recommend leaving well-attached stems in place.
Read more: J Arthroplasty. 2014 Sep;29(9 Suppl):139-42. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2014.03.055.
Radiographically measured total knee wear is constant and predicts failure.
Engh CA Jr, Collier MB, Hopper RH Jr, Hatten KM, Engh GA
Drs. Jerry and Andy Engh, high volume orthopaedic joint replacement surgeons, look at the wear of knee implants over 10 years of follow-up visits with their patients. Working together with the scientists at AORI, they found that wear of the prosthetic knees is constant over time in most cases. Compared to knees with lower rates, knees with higher wear rates are more likely to need revision at some point in the future.
Read more: J Arthroplasty. 2013 Sep;28(8):1338-44. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.04.047.
2012 Chitranjan Ranawat Award
Efficacy of Postoperative Intra-articular Analgesia Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Prospective Study.
Goyal N, McKenzie, J, Sharkey PF, Parvizi J, Hozack WJ, Austin MS.
Dr. Goyal, clinical investigator at AORI and colleagues from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital & The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia were awarded the Ranawat Award for this study on the effect of using pain pumps with bupivacaine, a local anesthesia, for post-operative patients having total knee replacements. They found that using a pain pump near the surgery area significantly decreased patients' pain as well as their use of narcotics.
Read more: Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2013 Jan; 471(1): 64–75.
A Prospective, Randomized Study of Crosslinked and Non-Cross-linked Polyethylene for Total Hip Arthroplasty at 10-Year Follow-Up.
Engh CA Jr, Hopper RH Jr, Huynh C, Ho H, Sritulanondha S, Engh CA Sr.
Drs. Charles and Andy Engh and a team of AORI scientific investigators won the AAHKS Dorr award for this randomized study following up on patients with either cross-linked or non-cross-linked polyethylene liners in their total hip arthroplasties after ten years. The results show that the cross-linked liners had longer wear and fewer bone loss related problems.
Read more: J Arthroplasty. 2012 Sep;27(8 Suppl):2-7.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2012.03.048.
Survivorship of a low-stiffness extensively porous-coated femoral stem at 10 years.
Hartzband MA, Glassman AH, Goldberg VM, Jordan LR, Crowninshield RD, Fricka KB.
Over one hundred patients were studied in follow up visits who had been a part of an original prospective study using a new femoral implant with greater flexibility and extra porous coating to determine how well the implants were serving the patients. In the 86 living patients who were followed this particular femoral implant was still yielding an excellent Harris Hip Score of 98 at the ten-year mark. The researchers suggest that this particular type of component has very good long term function and wear.
Read more: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 468(2), 433-440.
2501 Parkers Lane, #200
About Us Contact Us News Disclosure
Design and content by Renèe Burkett
Copyright © AORI 2016 All Rights Reserved

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------
// <summary>Defines the MeetingRequestsDeliveryScope enumeration.</summary>
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------

namespace Microsoft.Exchange.WebServices.Data
{
    using System;
    using System.Collections.Generic;
    using System.Text;

    /// <summary>
    /// Defines how meeting requests are sent to delegates.
    /// </summary>
    public enum MeetingRequestsDeliveryScope
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Meeting requests are sent to delegates only.
        /// </summary>
        DelegatesOnly,

        /// <summary>
        /// Meeting requests are sent to delegates and to the owner of the mailbox.
        /// </summary>
        DelegatesAndMe,

        /// <summary>
        /// Meeting requests are sent to delegates and informational messages are sent to the owner of the mailbox.
        /// </summary>
        DelegatesAndSendInformationToMe,

        /// <summary>
        /// Meeting requests are not sent to delegates.  This value is supported only for Exchange 2010 SP1 or later
        /// server versions.
        /// </summary>
        [RequiredServerVersion(ExchangeVersion.Exchange2010_SP1)]
        NoForward
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Reason #3 I need to go to New York
Jenny Holzer is at the Whitney. But only until May 31st. Eeek.
Little did I realize, all those years ago as a teenager I was witnessing a wonderous marriage between high art and pop culture courtesy of Jenny Holzer and a little tour called ZOO-TV. There I stood, pie-eyed and mute and entirely overwhelmed, as thunderous drums and crashing guitar lines rumbled through my consciousness, and my eyes attempted to absorb messages like CONTRADICTION IS BALANCE and EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG and ART IS MANIPULATION and (still my favourite) TASTE IS THE ENEMY OF ART. I don't recall if it was by accident or design that I discovered Holzer's work that very year, but it was then I started keeping journals of my own observed Truisms -a strange kind of poetic observation that was, depending on my mood, one-part snide to two-parts smirk, or some combination therein.
Years later, I wasn't a bit surprised when Holzer's work was chosen to be displayed at the site of the World Trade Center. Looking over the exhibition now on, she seems more relevant than ever.
That's it. I need to go to New York. Soon.
I love the Tonys -or rather, the theatre scene the Tonys represent.
Nominations were announced today and they include a slew for the Elton John-penned Billy Elliott.
I remember watching the awards year after year, from the time in 1995 when a nervous-looking Ralph Fiennes won for Hamlet (which I saw at the Belasco that summer, and was indeed magnificent) to Alan Cumming slinking across the stage to the opening strains of Cabaret (best production ever, bar none -and at Studio 54, no less), to when entirely very-very Australian actor Hugh Jackman hosted (charmingly, but you knew that).
This year, I was a bit surprised there were no nominations for The Seagull, or its lead, Kristin Scott Thomas. Though I didn't get to see it (sadly), I heard a lot of good things. Apparently I wasn't the only one surprised by its overlooking. Hmm.
Still, the Tonys makes me long for a chunk of the Big Apple. A big singing, dancing chunk.
In art, writing
The Museum of Modern Art is one of my very-favourite places in the world. You can wander there for hours, and every corner has something that turns your thinking upside down, and makes you look at the world, and your place in it, in a whole new, refreshing light. It currently has two exhibits I want to see.
First, The Pictures Generation, featuring the work of Cindy Sherman, among others. Sherman's a big favourite of mine. So irreverent, funny, and unabashedly female.
Second, Tangled Alphabets. I love writing. I love art. I love art about writing. I've been staring at Mira Schendel's work all week now and her beautiful collection of letters are spelling out something like: C-o-m-e h-e-r-e. N-O-W.


text:
Simply Catholic
Helping Catholics know & love the Lord and his Church
Blessed Bartolo Longo: A saint for the depressed and anxious
Michael R. Heinlein
October 7, 2018 10:01 pm October 7, 2018
Comments Off on Blessed Bartolo Longo: A saint for the depressed and anxious
According to tradition, the Blessed Mother revealed the Rosary to St. Dominic as the threats of error and falsehood propagated by the Albigensian heresy grew. That and several other episodes in the history of the Church have illustrated that the Rosary is most definitely a spiritual weapon to be used to defeat what is false and evil in the world.
Blessed Bartolo Longo found that out firsthand in his late 20s when introduced to the Rosary. Having grown up Catholic, Longo grew away from the Faith in his young adult years and gave into the pressures of the culture.
Back then, the Church became the target of various attacks because the pope maintained a certain portion of the territory that is now Italy. Although the pope eventually lost it — removing any political power from the papacy after nearly a millennium — Italy saw his attempts to maintain control as something akin to an enemy of the state.
Unification was en vogue as Italy was being formed from various disparate territories. As a young law student, Longo joined that cause.
Later Longo was swept into another cultural trend: experimenting with spiritualism, particularly the occult and satanic worship. He found himself involved so much in a satanic cult that he claimed he was eventually ordained a priest of Satan.
That changed when he was introduced to the power of the Rosary by a Dominican priest. Longo had become acquainted with the priest through a boyhood friend who convinced him to leave Satanism. He had confided in that friend how his life was filled with anxiety; he was depressed and confused.
For the rest of his life he would go on unceasingly to work to foster devotion to the Rosary, leading to his renown as "a true apostle of the Rosary" as Pope St. John Paul II called him in a 2002 apostolic letter on the Rosary (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, No. 8).
Why did the Rosary have such a major impact on Longo? By his own admission, the depression and anxiety by which he found himself plagued eventually led to thoughts of suicide. He was successful in rejecting the temptation by recalling one of the promises held by tradition that Our Lady made to St. Dominic about the Rosary: "He who propagates my Rosary will be saved." He believed the Rosary saved his life, and he knew it could do the same for others.
All the while, Longo had kept up the practice of law. He eventually came to Pompeii, Italy — site of the ancient volcanic eruption — and took up work for a young, widowed Countess Mariana De Fusco. The darkness she experienced at the time of her husband's death was brightened by a renewed and deepened prayer life. It was at this time, around the time of Longo's conversion, that he met Countess De Fusco.
The two began to collaborate on a project to bring about greater devotion to the Rosary. They established a shrine at an old, deteriorating church in Pompeii. Longo repaired it and established a confraternity of the Rosary. Each year a festival would be held at the shrine.
Over the years, miracles allegedly began to occur at the shrine. The shrine was consecrated by a delegate of Pope Leo XIII in 1879.
The same pope convinced the countess and Longo to marry in 1885. They remained celibate in their marriage. Theirs was a marriage of spiritual parenthood where they cared for the spiritual and material needs of the poor and disadvantaged.
Together they cared for orphans and gave assistance to the imprisoned — most of all they continued promoting the Rosary, even after donating the Pompeii shrine to the Holy See in 1906.
His feast day is Oct. 5.
Michael R. Heinlein is editor of Simply Catholic. Follow him on Twitter at @HeinleinMichael.
Married SaintsSaints
What is an Ecumenical Council?
Is Frequent Confession Necessary?
Should We Name Guardian Angels?
Is Missing Sunday Mass a Mortal Sin?
Faith and Culture: A Catholic Preoccupation
Categories Select Category Advent Angels Anti-Catholicism Bioethics Black Catholics Blessings Christian Unity Christmas Church Documents Church History Church Seasons and Feasts Church Teaching Creation Culture Death Devotion Easter Environment Eternal Life Eternity Evangelization Evil Faith Family Health Care Holidays Human Dignity Jesus Joy Laity Lent Life Issues Liturgy Love Martyrs Mary Morality Papacy Pilgrimages Politics Prayer Prominent Figures Relics Religion Religious Life Sacramentals Sacraments Saints Salvation Satan Science Scripture Sexuality Sin Spirituality Stewardship Struggles Suffering The Church Trinity Vatican Virtues Vocation War
Blessed Karl of Austria: A saint for those who suffer
St. Louis IX: A saint for piety
Follow SimplyCatholicOSV @ Instagram
Copyright © 2020 Our Sunday Visitor


text:
TB defence could be Achilles heel
Tuesday, 7 December 2010 Carl Holm
TB bacteria use stem cells to protect themselves and thrive in the lungs of victims(Source: iStockphoto)
Immune system could be used to test for TB, Science Online, 17 May 2010
Drug resistant TB on the rise, Science Online, 22 Oct 2009
Ancient bones may hold clues to TB, Science Online, 15 Jul 2008
Outsmarting TB Indian researchers have for the first time identified the sophisticated mechanism used by tuberculosis bacteria to thrive in infected organs.
The finding could provide a fresh approach in attacking the disease, which claims the lives of more than 2 million people each year.
Tuberculosis, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are known to evade the immune system by hiding inside compartments called granulomas in infected lung and spleen tissues.
Although individuals with healthy immune systems can mount defensive responses, the bacteria thrive inside the granulomas largely unharmed, establishing persistent infections that can prove lethal.
In research published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in New Delhi found the bacteria recruit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to sites of infection in the spleen and lungs.
MSCs are normally found in the bone marrow, and typically diversify to form blood, bone, muscle and other tissues.
Normally these cells can be mobilised to migrate from the bone marrow to help repair injured or inflamed tissues. But they can also play an immunosuppressive role.
Bacterial survival strategy
The researchers say the stem cells limit the spread of the granulomas, but don't completely eliminate them. They believe the tuberculosis bacteria is exploiting this mechanism to establish latent infections.
Research supervisor Dr Gobardhan Das says the finding is a breakthrough in understanding the bacteria's long-term survival strategy.
"I believe this is the first time that researchers have shown any infectious disease, TB or any other infectious organism, using the stem cells [of the host] for their survival", he says.
Tuberculosis causes 2 million deaths each year, and is the second highest cause of mortality from a single infectious disease worldwide.
Drug resistance has emerged as an important health concern, and researchers are urgently investigating alternative approaches to the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Led by PhD student Shilpa Raghuvanshi, the researchers used mice infected with a low dose of the tuberculosis bacteria. They found an increased prevalence of stem cells in the spleens of the infected mice.
These stem cells form a protective coating around the granulomas and produce a range of immunosuppressant molecules, such as nitric oxide. This shields the tuberculosis bacteria from white blood cells and T cells, which would normally destroy the intruders.
Biopsies of granulomas taken from human patients support the findings in the study.
The researchers suggest drugs that target the stem cells protecting the tuberculosis bacteria, may be an effective way to treat infection.
"If you can target these MSCs then you can destroy the protective layer and expose the bacteria to the macrophages and T cells, and the immune system can then get in and attack the bacteria", Das says.
Tags: epidemiology, diseases-and-disorders, medical-research, stem-cells
Use these social-bookmarking links to share TB defence could be Achilles heel.
Use this form to email 'TB defence could be Achilles heel' to someone you know:
https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/12/07/3086596.htm?topic=tech
You might also be interested in Medical Research
Do-it-to-yourself science: a history of risk and discovery
Could animal testing ever be completely banned?
Insulin-producing cells created in a dish for the first time
Pig hearts kept alive in baboons for more than two years
Blood biomarker predicts death from serious infection
Medical Research news and features web feed