Ettore Vulcano

Aspirin for elective hip and knee arthroplasty: a multimodal thromboprophylaxis protocol

PurposeMultimodal thromboprophylaxis includes preoperative thromboembolic risk stratification and autologous blood donation, surgery performed under regional anaesthesia, postoperative rapid mobilisation, use of pneumatic compression devices and chemoprophylaxis tailored to the patient’s individual risk. We determined the 90-day rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE), other complications and mortality in patients who underwent primary elective hip and knee replacement surgery with multimodal thromboprophylaxis.MethodsA total of 1,568 consecutive patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery received multimodal thromboprophylaxis: 1,115 received aspirin, 426 received warfarin and 27 patients received low molecular weight heparin and warfarin with or without a vena cava filter.ResultsThe rate of VTE, pulmonary embolism, proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and distal DVT was 1.2, 0.36, 0.45 and 0.36xa0%, respectively, in patients who received aspirin. The rates in those who received warfarin were 1.4, 0.9, 0.47 and 0.47xa0%, respectively. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 0.2xa0%.ConclusionsMultimodal thromboprophylaxis in which aspirin is administered to low-risk patients is safe and effective following primary total joint replacement.

Obese Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty Have Distinct Preoperative Characteristics: An Institutional Study of 4718 Patients

Obesity affects a disproportionate proportion of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. Our study explores pre-operative characteristics between obese and non-obese patients undergoing TKA surgery. A cohort of 4718 osteoarthritic patients, undergoing primary TKA, was studied. Patients were stratified according to BMI classes. Each class was compared in terms of age, race, gender, level of education, insurance status, pre-operative WOMAC, SF-36, and Elixhauser comorbidities. There was a positive relationship between BMI and female gender, non-white race, Medicaid, private insurance, and self-pay. A negative relationship was observed between BMI and age, Medicare, WOMAC and SF-36. Obese TKA candidates differ from their non-obese counterparts in a number of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics.

Bilateral total knee arthroplasty guidelines: are we there yet?

The proportion of bilateral total knee replacements (BTKR) to unilateral total knee replacement (UTKR) in the United States is increasing. From 1990 to 2004, the use of BTKRs more than doubled for the entire civilian population and almost tripled among the female population. BTKRs can be performed in a single-stage or a staged procedure. Supporters of single-stage BTKR point out its low complication rates, high patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Others strongly believe that BTKR performed during the same anesthetic session is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Single-stage BTKR surgery aims at reducing the exposure to repeated anesthesia, total hospitalization and recovery time, and cost, while maintaining patient safety and reducing the negative clinical and functional outcomes observed in patients undergoing UTKR or staged BTKR. This article presents the current concepts and controversies around BTKR surgery based on the authors body of research and a review of the literature. We also present our institutional guidelines for candidates for single-stage BTKR.

Treatment of humeral shaft aseptic nonunions in elderly patients with opposite structural allograft, BMP-7, and mesenchymal stem cells.

Humeral shaft aseptic nonunions occur in 2% to 10% of patients managed conservatively and 10% to 15% of patients treated surgically. The complex muscular and neurovascular anatomy of the upper limb makes the surgical approach to the fracture site demanding and risky, especially when previous surgeries have been attempted. The clinical consequence of atrophic humeral shaft nonunions is a severe functional limitation that may significantly affect activities of daily living, especially in the elderly. The surgical treatment of humeral shaft nonunions is challenging for orthopedic surgeons. Patients with atrophic nonunions require both a stable fixation and enhancement of the biologic response because of the weak biologic reaction observed at the fracture site. The gold standard of treatment in elderly patients has not been described. Nonetheless, older age and comorbidities are associated with potentially malignant nonunions. This study reports the authors experience using opposite cortical allograft combined with bone morphogenetic protein 7 and mesenchymal stem cells to treat humeral shaft atrophic nonunions in 2 elderly patients. The nonunion site healed at 4 months (patient 1) and 8 months (patient 2) postoperatively, with full return to activities of daily living and no pain. Neither patient reported complications of the radial nerve, which is at high risk of injury during this type of surgery. The only reported complication (patient 2) was an intraoperative longitudinal partial distal humeral fracture, probably caused by compression screw overtightening. The use of a locking plate and opposite cortical allograft, combined with BMP-7 and mesenchymal stem cells, represents a safe and effective treatment for malignant nonunions in older patients.

Epidemiology of Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Trends in New York State

The rate of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasing in the United States as its popularity and indications expand. There currently is no national joint registry available to monitor outcomes, and few studies have addressed the challenges faced with TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, complications, and survival rates associated with TAA using a large statewide administrative discharge database. Individuals who underwent primary TAA from 1997 to 2010 were identified in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database from the New York State Department of Health. The age, sex, comorbidities, state of residence, primary diagnosis, and readmissions within 90 days were analyzed for patients with an ICD-9-CM procedure code of 81.56 (TAA). Failure of a TAA implant was defined as revision, tibiotalar arthrodesis, amputation, or implant removal. During the 14-year period, 420 patients underwent 444 TAAs (mean patient age of 61 years, 59% women, mean Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score of 0.45, and 86% New York State residents). The primary diagnosis was 37.4% osteoarthritis, 34.3% traumatic arthritis, and 15.5% rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery for failure was associated only with a younger age (56.5 vs 62 years, P=.005). The rate of subsequent failure procedures following TAAs performed in New York State was 13.8%. The incidence of TAAs is steadily increasing. The overall survival rate in New York State is better than rates reported in other national registries, but it is not yet comparable to those of hip and knee replacements. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):170-176.].

Conventional Versus Cross-Linked Polyethylene for Total Hip Arthroplasty

The clinical and radiographic outcomes of 88 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty with either conventional polyethylene or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) from the same manufacturer were compared. There were no significant differences between the 2 subpopulations regarding average age, gender, side affected, or prosthetic stem and cup size. The average follow-up was 104 months (range, 55 to 131 months). To the authors knowledge, this is the longest follow-up for this particular insert. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then annually. Results showed that XLPE has a significantly greater wear reduction than that of standard polyethylene in primary total hip arthroplasty. At the longest available follow-up for these specific inserts, XLPE proved to be effective in reducing wear.

Hallux rigidus: How do I approach it?

Hallux rigidus is a degenerative disease of the first metatarsalphalangeal (MTP) joint and affects 2.5% of people over age 50. Dorsal osteophytes and narrowed joint space leads to debilitating pain and limited range of motion. Altered gait mechanics often ensued as 119% of the body force transmit through the 1st MTP joint during gait cycle. Precise etiology remains under debate with trauma being often cited in the literature. Hallux valgus interphalangeus, female gender, inflammatory and metabolic conditions have all been identified as associative factors. Clinical symptoms, physical exam and radiographic evidence are important in assessing and grading the disease. Non-operative managements including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, intra-articular injections, shoe modification, activity modification and physical therapy, should always be attempted for all hallux rigidus patients. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, maintain stability of the first MTP joint, and improve function and quality of life. Operative treatments can be divided into joint-sparing vs joint-sacrificing. Cheilectomy and moberg osteotomy are examples of joint-sparing techniques that have demonstrated great success in early stages of hallux rigidus. Arthrodesis is a joint-sacrificing procedure that has been the gold standard for advanced hallux rigidus. Other newer procedures such as implant arthroplasty, interpositional arthroplasty and arthroscopy, have demonstrated promising early patient outcomes. However, future studies are still needed to validate its long-term efficacy and safety. The choice of procedure should be based on the condition of the joint, patient’s goal and expectations, and surgeon’s experience with the technique.

Femoral Bone Plug in Total Knee Replacement

The intramedullary alignment guides used in total knee replacement disrupt the intramedullary vessels, resulting in greater postoperative blood loss. The use of an autologous bone plug to seal the intramedullary femoral canal has been shown to be effective in reducing postoperative bleeding. The authors present a simple technique to create a bone plug from the anterior chamfer femoral cut to perfectly seal the intramedullary canal of the femur.

Association of Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Spurs

Plantar spurs and Achilles tendinopathy are common causes of heel pain. In the authors practice, it was anecdotally noted that patients with Achilles tendinopathy often presented with plantar spurs. Nonetheless, there is a shortage of studies investigating whether Achilles tendinopathy and plantar spurs exist concomitantly. A better understanding of the association between the 2 pathologies might help physicians recognize and treat both conditions, educate patients about Achilles tendinopathy and plantar spurs, and ultimately investigate possible underlying causes of both pathologies that could be addressed together. The authors examined the prevalence of plantar spurs in patients diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy as well as demographic differences within the unilateral and bilateral Achilles tendinopathy populations. A total of 785 patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Mean patient age was 56.2±15.5 years (46.9% men and 53.1% women). Seventy-two (9.2%) patients were affected bilaterally by Achilles tendinopathy. Lateral radiographs were reviewed by an orthopedic surgeon to identify the presence of plantar spurs. A total of 329 (41.9%) patients with Achilles tendinopathy were found to have a concomitant plantar spur. Patients with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy and a plantar spur were more likely to be women (58.7% vs 49.8%, P=.020) and older (62.7 vs 51.7 years, P<.001). In the bilateral Achilles tendinopathy group, there were 46 (63.9%) patients with at least one foot presenting with a plantar spur. The studys findings suggest a significant association between Achilles tendinopathy and plantar spurs. Older women with Achilles tendinopathy are at greater risk of being affected by plantar spurs.

Risk and Benefits of Bilateral Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Bilateral total knee replacements can be performed under the same anaesthetic or so-called “single-stage” (simultaneously or sequentially); or under different anaesthetics or so-called “staged” (during the same or different hospitalizations). The main advantages of single-stage bilateral total knee replacement surgery include good clinical results, the need for a single anaesthetic, lower total amount of pain medication used, shorter overall surgical and rehabilitation time, high patient satisfaction, and possibly lower total cost. The drawbacks of single-stage bilateral total knee replacement surgery include increased risk of perioperative complications. Our institutional guidelines for the selection of patients being considered for single-stage bilateral knee arthroplasty contemplate the exclusion of patients of extreme age—patients with significant end organ dysfunction (i.e. ASA physical status of 3 or greater).