Craig D. Silverton

A prospective double-blind placebo controlled trial of topical tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty.

Tranexamic acid (TNA) reduces postoperative blood loss in general and obstetrical surgery but there is limited orthopaedic literature regarding its use in the topical setting. To study the effect of topical TNA after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 101 patients were randomized to topical administration of 2.0g TNA in 75mL of normal saline (50 patients) or placebo (51 patients). Operative technique, drug administration, and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis were standardized. All patients underwent screening ultrasound of the operative extremity. Total blood loss was lower in the TNA group (940.2±327.1mL) than the placebo group (1293.1±532.7mL)(P<0.001), and four patients in the placebo group and none in the TNA group received postoperative transfusion (P=0.118). We recommend administration of topical TNA in primary TKA in healthy patients to decrease perioperative blood loss.

Isolated revision of the patellar component in total knee arthroplasty.

Background: Problems with the patellofemoral articulation are the most common causes of failure after total knee arthroplasty. However, there are few reports describing outcomes following isolated revision of the patellar component.Methods: Forty knees with a Miller-Galante I prosthesis underwent isolated patellar revision (with or without lateral retinacular release). The Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores were collected prospectively, and radiographs made preoperatively and at the time of the final follow-up were analyzed with respect to alignment, component position, and patellar tracking. Particular attention was given to patients who had a reoperation or repeat revision and who had clinical or radiographic evidence of failure of the patellar revision.Results: At a mean follow-up of sixty-two months, fifteen (38%) of the forty knees that had had an isolated revision of the patellar component failed a second time. Eight of them required a total of twelve additional operations at a mean of forty-nine months after the patellar revision. Three of the failures were severe enough to require revision of two or more of the components. Of the twenty-five knees that had not failed, the average Hospital for Special Surgery knee score at the time of the final follow-up was 87 points. Of the seven knees that did not undergo reoperation but were deemed to be failures on the basis of the patients symptoms, the average Hospital for Special Surgery knee score at the time of the final follow-up was 72 points.Conclusions: Isolated patellar revision, with or without concurrent lateral retinacular release, was associated with a high rate of reoperation and a relatively low rate of success. Elements of the implant design and component alignment contributed to the patellar component failure; both should be scrutinized carefully in patients who are seen with this problem, prior to proceeding with isolated revision of the patellar component of a total knee arthroplasty.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See p. 2 for complete description of levels of evidence.

Revision total hip arthroplasty using a cementless acetabular component. Technique and results.

Are the midterm results (range, 7-11 years) for revision of the acetabulum with a cementless hemispherical component comparable with other published revision techniques at similar followup? One hundred thirty-eight acetabular revisions for aseptic loosening were done in 132 patients using a cementless hemispherical component coated with titanium mesh and inserted with supplemental screw fixation. Twelve patients died, 9 were lost to followup, and 6 could not return for followup, leaving 111 patients (115 hips) with a mean of 100 months of followup. Thirteen hips required revision (11%): 4 were done for recurrent dislocations, and 6 for sepsis; 3 stable cups were revised (at the time of stem revision). No cup was revised for aseptic loosening. Radiographic review was available for 105 patients (109 hips) at mean 98-month followup (78-135 months). A complete radiolucency was seen in 4% of the cups, a partial progressive radiolucency in 3%, and a partial nonprogressive radiolucency in 54%; no radiolucency was present in 39%. A screw radiolucency was seen in 2%, and osteolysis at the cup margin in 4%. Revision of the acetabulum with a cementless porous-coated hemispherical fiber-metal component is superior to the results reported for acetabular revisions with cement at similar followup.

Trochanteric osteotomy and fixation during total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract Once used routinely, trochanteric osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty now is usually limited to difficult primary and revision cases. There are three types: the standard trochanteric osteotomy and its variations, the trochanteric slide, and the extended trochanteric osteotomy. Each has unique indications, fixation techniques, and complications. Primary total hip arthroplasty procedures requiring the enhanced exposure provided by trochanteric osteotomy may be needed in patients with hip ankylosis or fusion, protrusio acetabuli, proximal femoral deformities, developmental dysplasia, or abductor muscle laxity. Trochanteric osteotomies in revision arthroplasties, primarily the extended trochanteric osteotomy, facilitate the removal of well‐fixed femoral components, provide direct access to the diaphysis for distal fixation, and enhance acetabular exposure.

Topical vs Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces perioperative blood loss in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods In our randomized control trial, 139 patients were enrolled and received 2 g of either topical or intravenous (IV) TXA. Preoperative and postoperative protocols were standardized. Results Calculated blood and Hgb loss were lower in the IV group (1195.0 ± 485.9 mL, 1442.7 ± 562.7 mL; P xa0= .006), (160.3 [g] ± 63.8, 188.4 [g] ± 68.5; P xa0= .014). There was a trend toward significance in transfusion reduction (11% [IV] vs 18% [topical]; P xa0= .3). Both groups effectively reduced the transfusion rate. There was significant financial incentive for the use of TXA in THA with a savings of

The Prosthesis-Bone Interface Adjacent to Tibial Components Inserted without Cement. Clinical and Radiographic Follow-up at Nine to Twelve Years*

314 per patient. Conclusions IV and topical TXA are effective tools to reduce blood loss and transfusion costs in THA, and we recommend the IV form for ease of use.

Ultrasound findings in asymptomatic patients with modular metal on metal total hip arthroplasty

We evaluated the radiographic and functional status of a one-piece composite tibial component, designed to be inserted without cement, that was developed and used only at our institution. Thirty-six patients (thirty-seven knees) were managed with the component between November 1981 and September 1983, and none were lost to follow-up. When they were last seen, thirty-four (92 per cent) of the thirty-seven knees had a well fixed tibial component, both clinically and radiographically. Eight patients (eight knees; 22 per cent) died. Eleven patients (eleven knees; 30 per cent) had a revision at an average of sixty-five months (range, four to ninety-five months) postoperatively. The reason for the revision was failure of a metal-backed patellar component in three knees, excessive wear of the polyethylene of the tibial component in one, a hematogenous infection in four, aseptic loosening of the tibial component in two, and chronic synovitis in one. The remaining seventeen patients (eighteen knees; 49 per cent) were seen for clinical and radiographic follow-up at an average of eleven years (range, nine to twelve years) after the operation. With removal of the implant as the end point, the cumulative rate of survival was 83 per cent at fifty-six months and 67 per cent at 108 months. Some of the failures were secondary to features of the prosthetic design that currently are considered to be inadequate, including a metal-backed patellar component and carbon- fiber-reinforced polyethylene. In the twenty-six knees in which the prosthesis had been retained, the implant was stable and the prosthesis-bone interface was unchanged as seen radiographically at the time of the most recent follow-up examination. This finding demonstrates that a porous ingrowth surface is capable of providing a secure interface for biological fixation over the long term.

Heterotopic Ossification Prophylaxis After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Randomized Trial of 400 vs 700 cGy

ObjectiveThe use of metal-on-metal and modular total hip arthroplasty is associated with potentially serious local and systemic complications. The primary aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of a pseudotumor in asymptomatic patients with a particular metal-on-metal hip prosthesis after a minimum follow-up of 5xa0years using ultrasound evaluation. A secondary purpose was to identify associations between the presence of pseudotumor and serum metal ion levels following implantation.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated data collected from 36 asymptomatic patients who underwent implantation of a Profemur Z metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty from January 2004 to January 2010. Serum metal ion levels were collected in 2012 and 2015. Hip ultrasounds were performed in 2015.ResultsPseudotumors were found in 7/36 patients (19.4%). The average pseudotumor size measured 38.2xa0cm3 (range 7.35xa0cm3–130.81xa0cm3). Elevated metal ion levels were found in all patients at all time points. No statistical correlation was found between the presence of pseudotumor and patient age, age of the implant, component design, and any of the serum metal ion levels or ratios.ConclusionsOne in every five asymptomatic patients with metal-on-metal implants was found to have a periarticular pseudotumor. There was no dose-dependent relationship found between elevated serum metal ion levels and the development of a pseudotumor. Our findings suggest that in patients with known elevated metal ion levels, continued monitoring of ion levels may not be a reliable predictor of pseudotumor formation, and ultrasound surveillance can and should be routinely used to document the presence and progression of pseudotumor.

Joint and long-bone gunshot injuries.

BACKGROUNDnHeterotopic ossification (HO) is a known complication following total hip arthroplasty. Radiation is an effective prophylaxis, but an optimal protocol has yet to be determined. We performed a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial in high-risk patients to determine the efficacy of 400 vs 700 cGy doses of radiation.nnnMETHODSnOne hundred forty-seven patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and at high risk for HO at an urban medical center were randomized to receive either a single 400 or 700 cGy dose of radiation postoperatively. High risk was defined as a diagnosis of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, hypertrophic osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or history of previous HO. Radiation was administered on the first or second postoperative day. A single blinded reviewer graded radiographs taken immediately postoperatively and at a minimum of 6 months postoperatively using the Brooker classification. Progression was defined as an increase in Brooker classification. Operative data including surgical approach, implant fixation, revision surgery, and postoperative range of motion data were also collected.nnnRESULTSnA significantly greater portion of patients who received the 400 cGy dose demonstrated progression of HO than patients who received the 700 cGy dose. There were no wound complications. No preoperative factors were associated with a higher rate of progression. Patients who progressed had less flexion on physical examination than patients who did not progress, but this was not clinically significant.nnnCONCLUSIONnSeven hundred centigray was superior to 400 cGy in preventing HO formation following total hip arthroplasty in high-risk patients and may be the more effective treatment in this population. Further studies comparing 700 cGy to dosages between 400 and 700 cGy may help to clarify if a more optimal dose can be identified.