Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume:6 Issue: 6, Nov 2018

The Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 gene 4G/5G (PAI-1 4G/5G) polymorphism has been suggested to be associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) susceptibility; however, the results are conflicting and inconclusive. We have carried out a comprehensive meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the association. A comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases was conducted to identify all eligible case-control publications investigating the association between PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and ONFH risk. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the association. A total of six studies with 456 cases and 1,019 controls were included in this review. Three studies were from Caucasian descendants and the three others were from East Asian descendants. Overall analysis suggests a significant association between PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and ONFH risk under the allele model (4G vs. 5G:OR =1.540, 95% CI =1.055-2.248, P=0.025) and the recessive model (4G4G vs. 4G5G+5G5G: OR=1.931, 95% CI:1.162-3.207, P=0.011). When stratified by ethnicity, we have found a significant association between PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and ONFH risk among the Caucasian (4G5G vs. 5G5G: OR=1.806, 95% CI: 1.064-3.067, P=0.029) and East Asians (4G4G vs. 5G5G: OR=1.619, 95% CI: 1.025-2.556, P=0.039 and 4G4G vs. 4G5G+5G5G: OR=1.665, 95% CI: 1.207-2.297, P=0.002). The present meta-analysis suggested that PAI-1 4G/5G (rs1799889) polymorphism is a potential risk factor for development of ONFH. However, large-scale and well-designed case-control studies in different ethnicities are required to validate these results.
Level of evidence: II

The goal of this study was to compare the two types of orthoses, prefabricated soft splints versus short thermoplastic custom-made splints, that are the most commonly used for the management of first carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA). We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review in the literature based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We extracted the outcomes of disability scores, pain scores, grip and pinch strength and gathered the unified data accordingly. We included five randomized clinical trials with 230 patients with the mean age of 61 years and the mean follow-up of 8.1 weeks. The results of the pooled data demonstrated only a statistically significant difference in disability scores among splints in favor of the prefabricated splints. The rest of the outcome measures consisting of pain, grip strength, and pinch strength were not statistically different. According to our systematic review and meta-analysis, both thumb-based splints improved pain and function in the first CMC OA in a short-term follow-up, nevertheless the efficacy of prefabricated splints in abatement of disability scores was significantly higher than custom-made splints. In contrast, the other outcome measures including pain, grip and pinch strength were improved identically after wearing either of the splints. Level of evidence: II

To investigate whether surgery for PJI of the hip, the number of procedures and their duration contribute to risk of HO formation. 56 patients with hip PJI undergoing one-stage (10) or two-stage (46) exchange arthroplasty were matched to 112 patients undergoing revision arthroplasty for aseptic failure based on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), surgical approach (all direct lateral) and date of surgery (2006-2013). Patients with Paget’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis, or preoperative HO were excluded. Perioperative pain management included use of the anti-inflammatory medications in all patients without prophylactic radiotherapy. Six-month postoperative radiographs were reviewed based on Brooker classification. The incidence of overall HO in PJI and aseptic groups was 84% (47/56) and 11% (12/112), respectively. High grade HO (grades 3 and 4) in PJI and aseptic groups were 25% (24/56) and 4% (4/112), respectively. PJI was an independent risk factor for HO in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio of 9.3, 95% CI: 2.9-29.9, p<0.001). Patients undergoing surgical treatment of hip PJI seem to be at increased risk of developing HO compared to aseptic failure. HO prophylaxis regimens may be recommendable in eligible patients undergoing surgical intervention for PJI of the hip.

Proximal femur fractures are prevalent among the elderly and associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and early readmission. Early readmission is gaining popularity as a measure of quality of hospital care and can lower reimbursement. A better understanding of the patient and treatment characteristics associated with readmission may help inform program improvement initiatives. This study tested the primary null hypothesis that length of stay is not associated with higher rates of readmission within 30 days and 1 year in patients having operative treatment of a proximal femur fracture, accounting for discharge destination and other factors. We performed a secondary analysis on a database of 1,061 adult patients, age 55 years or older, admitted for treatment of a proximal femoral fracture in an urban level 2 trauma center. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were created to account for the influence of age, sex, race, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists score (ASA), fracture type (AO/OTA), fixation type, operating surgeon, operative duration, and discharge destination. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, treatment by surgeon 4 was independently associated with a lower 30-day readmission rate. Higher one-year readmission rate was associated with a longer length of stay, ASA class 3, 4 and 5. The observation that patients cared for by specific surgeons are more likely to experience readmission within one year of surgery for a fracture of the proximal femur, suggests that program improvements to identify and disseminate best practices might reduce readmission rates.
Level of evidence: III

Cementless total hip replacement is the common THR performed in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. The Corail stem is the most popular cementless implant and has a ODEP 10A rating. Review of its performance in the registry identified an increase rate of revision amongst the smaller stem sizes. However, clarity was not provided on the explanation for this finding. We reviewed our own experience of smaller stems with a view to understanding the reasons for revision. We reviewed a single centre, single surgeon experience of the smaller Corail stem sizes for a ten-year period from 2003 to 2013. All data was collected from a prospectively maintained database. Details of clinical and radiological follow up were collected for all patients who had Corail stem size 8 and 9 implanted. Revision for any cause was taken as our endpoint. 542 patients underwent total hip arthroplasty using the Corail stem during the study period. 53 small size Corail stems were implanted. The average age was 59 (range 17-88 years) and the average follow up was 41.4 months (range 1-118 months). 6 patients underwent revision during the study period, but only 4 stems required revision. The reasons for revision were aseptic loosening, fracture and metal-on metal complications. Only two stems required revision for stem related factors (3.8%). There was no evidence of an increased rate of revision in the small Corail stems in our cohort.

In the challenging tibial condyle fractures despite anatomical joint reconstruction, development of osteoarthritis may still occur secondary to the initial articular cartilage and meniscal injury. The aim of the study was to know incidence of osteoarthritis in our operated cases of tibial plateau fracture and to evaluate functional outcome. Our operated 60 patients of tibial plateau fractures between 2006 to 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Pre-operative radiographs were classified using Schatzker classification. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically and were assessed for functional outcome and development of osteoarthritis. The average duration of follow up was 76.32 months ranging from 42 to 130 months. The average age was 41.28 (20-73) years. According to Schatzker classification type VI accounted for 32.5% and type V for 20 %. Average VAS Score was 1.35 ranging from 0 to 4. According to American knee society scoring system, 47patients had excellent and 8 patients had good knee scores, while 52 patients had excellent, 4 patients had good and 1 patient had poor functional scores. According to Ahlback classification 25 patients had grade I, while 9 patients had grade II, 7 patients had grade III and 3 patients had grade IV osteoarthritis of knee. Incidence of osteoarthritis goes higher with Schatzker’s grading. Despite presence of radiological arthritis patients can have good clinical function if the articular reduction and limb alignment are maintained. Treatment goals should include a congruent articular reduction, adequate knee stability, anatomical limb alignment and avoidance of complications.
Level of evidence: IV

A better understanding of how bone mineral density and vitamin D levels are associated with femoral neck and intertrochanteric hip fractures may help inform healthcare providers. We asked: 1) In patients age ≥ 55 years, is there a difference in quantitative ultrasound of the heel (QUS) t-score between patients with fractures of the femoral neck and those with fractures of the intertrochanteric region, accounting for other factors 2) In patients age ≥ 55 years, is there a difference in vitamin D level between those with fractures of the femoral neck and those with fractures of the intertrochanteric region, accounting for other factors? 3) Is there an association between vitamin D level and QUS t-score? In this retrospective cohort study, 1,030 patients were identified using CPT codes for fixation of hip fractures between December 2010 and September 2013. Patients ≥ 55 years of age who underwent operative management for a hip fracture following a fall from standing height were included. Three orthopaedic surgeons categorized fracture type using patient radiographs. Upon hospital admission, QUS t-scores and vitamin D levels were determined. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and multivariable regression were performed. Accounting for potential confounders, patients with lower QUS t-scores were more likely to have intertrochanteric femur fractures than femoral neck fractures. In a bivariate analysis, there was no association between vitamin D level and either fracture type. There was no association between vitamin D level and bone mineral density. Patients with lower bone density that fracture their hips are more likely to fracture in the intertrochanteric region than the femoral neck, but vitamin D levels are unrelated. Awareness of this association emphasizes the importance of bone mineral density screening to assist with intertrochanteric hip fracture prevention.
Level of evidence: III

Techniques that allow early muscle activation, such as closed kinetic chain (CKC) and open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises, may play a beneficial role in the early rehabilitation of the reconstructed knee. However, current rehabilitation regimens have not been shown to reverse post-operative quadriceps activation failure and weakness. To investigate whether patients who use a continuous active motion (CAM) device that follows closed kinetic chain principles have better early post-operative functional improvements than patients who use a continuous passive motion (CPM) device that follows the principles of open kinetic chain principles. A prospective randomized controlled trial with non-blinded study staff. A tertiary care clinic at a teaching hospital. A total of 110 patients signed the consent form and 83 patients participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to use either the CPM device for 4 hours daily for 3 weeks (control group), or a CAM device for 3 sessions of 20 minutes for 3 weeks (intervention group), starting 24 hours after knee replacement surgery.The primary outcome measure was to identify the superiority, inferiority, or equivalence of one device at week 4 after knee arthroplasty using various functional outcome measures such as kinesthesia, quadriceps strength, coordination, general orthopaedic outcome measures and narcotic consumption. At 4 weeks, all outcome measurements were comparable between the two groups, with the exception of sit-to-stand test: in the treatment group the time was significantly shorter compared to the control group (P=0.016). Balance was significantly better in both control (P=0.001) and treatment group (P=0.032) compared to prior surgery. Most clinical centers would like to expedite functional recovery of knee arthroplasty patients without increasing the risk of falls. We observed balance and kinesthesia improvements after surgery using either device which may be important to benefit fast recovery programs. Further research is warranted to see whether additional active closed kinetic chain exercised following knee replacement surgery could improve specific functional outcomes such the observed sit-to-stand test.

The purpose of this study was to examine the mid-term functional outcomes, radiographic results, and revision rates of patients treated with the Delta Xtend Reverse Shoulder System for both primary and revision arthroplasty indications. A retrospective review was conducted of records for all individuals who underwent a reverse shoulder arthroplasty using the Delta Xtend Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis at a single institution. Radiographic analysis as well as pain and functional measures using the ASES, Quick DASH, SST, SF-12, Penn, SANE, EQ-5D and VAS, and VR-12 scores. Patients were evaluated for five-year outcomes. Fifty patients were available for 5-year outcomes. Thirty-three cases were primary arthroplasty cases and 17 were revision arthroplasty cases. Postoperative radiographs at five years out from surgery were available for 46 patients. The mean AGT overall was 32.6mm: 31.7mm the primary cases and 34.8mm for revision cases. Sirveaux scapular notching was: 65.2% (30/46) at Grade 0, 23.9% (11/46) at Grade 1, and 10.9% (5/46) at Grade 2. Overall, 32/46 of stems were in neutral position, 10/46 were in valgus position, and 4/46 were in varus position. There was no significant correlation between stem position and scapular notching. The mean outcome scores for all patients at five years were good to excellent. Two revision patients demonstrated loosening of the humeral stem on radiographs. Nine patients demonstrated calcification of the long head of the triceps tendon. In conclusion, the Delta Xtend Reverse Shoulder System has shown to be a reliable arthroplasty system for patients with CTA or failed prior arthroplasty. Patients are generally quite functional at five years out from their reverse shoulder arthroplasty using this implant. Radiographic measures used to interpret the status of the implant demonstrate that AGT is well maintained and scapular notching is minimal for the majority of cases.
Level of evidence: IV

Some of the Mason type I fractures cannot be detected on early radiographic images. These occult fractures are considered as a diagnostic challenge for physicians. Our aim was to determine the value of bedside ultrasonography for the detection of Mason I radial head fractures that are non-visible in early X-ray’s. A prospective blind single-center diagnostic study was conducted (from June 2012 till May 2013) concerning 23 patients who were clinically suspicious of having a radial head fracture. These patients were evaluated with a bedside high frequency ultrasound in the Emergency Room (E.R.). The two sonographic criteria that were considered to be diagnostic for fracture were: a. effusion besides the radial head-neck and b. cortical discontinuity of the radial head or neck. All patients also underwent a Computed Tomography (CT) as the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosis of occult radial head fractures. Fifteen out of 23 patients were diagnosed with radial head fracture using both ultrasound and CT. On the other hand, there were three patients with negative ultrasound and positive CT, in addition two patients were found positive in the ultrasonographic exam, while this result was not confirmed by the CT scan. In comparison with CT, ultrasound exam appeared to have 83.3% sensitivity, 60% specificity, 88.2% positive prognostic value and 50% negative prognostic value (when at least one diagnostic sonographic criterion was positive). The accuracy of the sonographic study for the diagnosis of the aforementioned fractures was 78.2%. Effusion in contact with the radial neck was the most sensitive sonographic sign (14/15 of the true positive radial head ultrasounds). Bedside ultrasound in the E.R. was proven to be a sensitive tool for early (day-1) diagnosis of the occult radial head fractures. It could be used as an adjacent imaging modality in patients suspicious for radial head fracture, when the initial X-rays are negative.

Femoral head osteonecrosis is a progressive disease with disabling outcomes in hip joint if not treated. This study was designed to compare the effects of zoledronic acid plus vitamin E versus zoledronic acid alone in surgical induced femoral head osteonecrosis in rabbits. 26 Japanese white adult normal male rabbits at 28-32 weeks old were undertaken surgical femoral dislocation to devastate the femoral neck vessels; the femoral neck vessels were ligated and the hip was relocated. Next, the first 10 rabbits received zoledronic acid injections at 1st and the 4th weeks; the second group (10 rabbits) received zoledronic acid injections at 1st and the 4th week along with daily oral vitamin E for 12 weeks; and the third group was considered as non-treated control group. Radiographic and postmortem pathological assessments including the Ficat classification, epiphyseal quotient (EQ), new bone formation, and residual necrotic bone (RNB) were performed and compared after week 12. A significant difference was found between the combination therapy group and the control group in Ficat classification at 12th weeks (P=0.048), but, the difference between monotherapy and combination therapy groups at 12th weeks was nonsignificant (P=0.37). Also, both treated groups had significant difference with the control group for RNB (P=0.015). There were no significant differences between the three groups for Ficat classification at the 6th week (P=0.65); EQ at 6th (P=0.59) and 12th week (P=0.64); and NBF (P=0.55). Although zoledronic acid therapy along with vitamin E could improve some radiologic and pathological indices related to femoral head osteonecrosis, vitamin E showed a relative impact.
Level of evidence: I

Periprosthetic joint infection is a devastating complication of total joint arthroplasty. It seems that the patient’s skin, nose, throat, and urine are important sites for microbial colonization. Colonization with staphylococcus aureus, especially methicillin resistant increases the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of staphylococcus aureus colonization in patients candidate for arthroplasty in central Iran as well as cost-effectiveness of decolonization program for prevention of post-arthroplasty infection. A total of 226 patient candidates for total joint arthroplasty were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study between January 2014 and January 2016. Specimens from nose, throat, groin skin, and urine were sent for bacteriologic culture and sensitivity test. Analysis cost-effectiveness was then performed for decolonization programme. Patients had positive cultures from nose (15.9%), throat (4.4%), groin skin (3.1%), and urine (0.9%). In general, 20.8% of the patients had positive cultures for staphylococcus aureus, among whom, 1.8% were methicillin resistant. Based on cost-effectiveness analysis, decolonization program leads to 80% reduction in costs. According to our results, although colonization with methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty is lower than other studies but colonization with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus is similar to others. Also, decolonization programme in these patients was found to be very cost-effective.  

Static and dynamic postures of lumbopelvic in low back pain (LBP) are considered as two important aspects of clinical assessment and management of LBP. Thus, the focus of the current study was to compare the posture and compensatory strategy of hip and lumbar region during trunk flexion between LBP subgroupsand health subjects. LBP cases are subdivided into active extension pattern (AEP) and flexion pattern (FP) based on O’Sullivan’s classification system (OCS). This work was a cross-sectional study involving 72 men, 21 low back pain patients with FP and 31 low back pain patients with AEP and 20 healthy groups. Lumbar and hip angles during trunk flexion were measured by a 3D motion analysis system in neutral standing posture and end-range of trunk flexion. The participants were asked to full bend without any flexion of the knees. The bending speed was preferential. Hip and lumbar ranges of motion were divided into four quartiles (Q). The quartiles were compared between groups. Data analysis was performed using oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test. There was no statistically significant difference in lumbar lordosis in standing and full trunk flexion positions between the healthy groups and heterogeneous LBP groups. In addition, there was not any statistically significant difference between the healthy group and the homogenous LBP group (FP and AEP). Moreover, no statistically significant difference was observed in hip angles during standing between the healthy group and the heterogeneous LBP group, and between the healthy group and the homogenous LBP group (FP and AEP). In full trunk flexion position, there was statistically significant difference in hip angles between the healthy group and the heterogeneous LBP group (P=0.026). In this position, the difference in hip angles between the healthy group and FP group was statistically significant (P<0.05). In the second Q, there was no significant difference between the healthy group and the heterogeneous LBP group (P=0.062), however, there was a significant difference between FP group and the healthy group in the fourth Q of the total hip range of motion. There was no statistically significant difference between the healthy group and the heterogeneous LBP group (P=0.054) but there was a difference between FP group and the healthy group. Lumbar/hip motion ratio (L/H ratio) was different between and within the subgroups in the second Q. This study supported the subgrouping of LBP and showed that the difference between subgroups could be determined effectively through subdividing the total range of lumbar and hip motions into smaller portions. It is possible that the neuromuscular system selects different strategies to compensate and prevent further injury of the chain components (muscle, joint, nerve and etc.).
Level of evidence: IV

In the biomedical paradigm all symptoms and limitations are ascribed to discrete pathophysiology. However, a biopsychosocial health model that accounts for the important influence of mind-set and circumstances on illness may be preferable in the vast majority of cases. Some of the shortcomings of the biomedical model include an overreliance on tests and treatments. One major issue of the biomedical model is the raging epidemic of opioid misuse and opioid related overdose deaths as previously reported in North America. Emblematic of these issues is a 56-year-old male that had surgery for a rupture of the distal biceps in our clinic with psychosocial aspects of the illness that were underappreciated by the care team and had disastrous opioidcentric attempts at pain control leading to threats to hospital staff, and finally resulting in forcible removal by hospital security from the ward and national police from the hospital. One might argue that there is no higher priority than rejecting the biomedical model, understanding illness is its full complexity, and learning from the world’s mistakes so that we don’t repeat them.

Ochronosis or black joints disorder is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase. Orthopaedic manifestations are common and mostly involve spine and large joints such as knee and hip. Arthropathy is progressive and will eventually leads to arthroplasty. Not being familiar with this disorder might lead to devastating complications. We present a 57 year-old woman with Ochronosis who successfully underwent cemented cruciated substituted knee replacement and cementless hip replacement. Proper orthopaedic and anesthetic preoperative preparation, soft tissue specially patella tendon management throughout operation and meticulous bleeding control during surgery are crucial. The results of the knee and the hip replacement surgery in this patient are satisfactory, after 24 months and 18 months follow-up, respectively. If Orthopaedic surgeons and anesthesiologists are well prepared, the outcome of joint replacement in Ochronosis patients will be as satisfactory as patients with primary osteoarthritis.
Level of evidence: V