Eyal Amar

Surgical approach and prosthesis fixation in hip arthroplasty world wide.

BackgroundHip arthroplasty is one of the most common and successful surgical procedures worldwide. Component design and materials as well as surgical techniques constantly evolve. There is no consensus among surgeons regarding the ideal surgical approach and method of fixation.Materials and methods292 orthopedic surgeons of 10 subspecialties from 57 countries were surveyed on their choice of surgical approach and prosthesis fixation in hip arthroplasty. Their preferences were analyzed according to country of origin, field of expertise and seniority, and compared to current publications.ResultsThe response rate was 95–98xa0%. Surgeons were split between the posterior approach (45xa0%) and the direct lateral approach (42xa0%) followed by the anterior approach (10xa0%) or other (3xa0%). North American surgeons favored the posterior approach more often than Europeans (69xa0% compared to 36xa0%, Pxa0<xa00.0001) and surgeons from other countries (69xa0% compared to 45xa0%, Pxa0=xa00.01). Sixty-eight percent of all surgeons routinely used noncemented hip prosthesis while 16xa0% use cemented and 16xa0% hybrid fixation. Noncemented fixation was preferred among surgeons from Europe and North America compared to other countries (73xa0% compared to 55xa0%, Pxa0<xa00.05). There were no significant differences based on subspecialty, seniority or the number of years of experience.ConclusionsThe most common surgical approaches in use in hip arthroplasty are posterior and lateral. Anterior approach is used by a minority of orthopedic surgeons for that purpose. Cementing hip prosthesis is falling out of favor among orthopedic surgeons worldwide. The trend toward un-cemented hip arthroplasty is not well supported in the current literature.

The incidence of heterotopic ossification in hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSEnThe purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) after hip arthroscopy.nnnMETHODSnBetween July 2010 and July 2011, 83 patients underwent hip arthroscopy for various etiologies. We prospectively reviewed 50 consecutive hip arthroscopy procedures (31 male and 19 female patients; mean age, 36.7 years) with a mean follow-up of 29.56 weeks (range, 9 to 62 weeks) to assess the incidence of HO and its effect on function and clinical outcome. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included general assessment by visual analog scoring, modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score, and preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Heterotopic bone formation was assessed on radiographs at a minimum of 9 weeks from surgery with the Brooker classification.nnnRESULTSnOf the patients, 22 (44%) had radiographic evidence of postoperative HO (15 male patients): 13 (26%) had Brooker stage 1, 5 (10%) had Brooker stage 2, and 4 (8%) had Brooker stage 3. HO appeared as early as 9 weeks after surgery. No significant difference was found in demographic data, surgery-related data, or clinical and functional scores between patients with HO and patients without HO. No factor was found to significantly affect the incidence of HO after logistic regression. No distinct clinical manifestation was associated with the presence of HO.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThis study shows that the incidence of HO after hip arthroscopy may be underestimated. We could not find a contributing factor to the formation of HO. Although in most cases the presence of HO will have minimal or no clinical and functional significance, it should be sought at a minimum of 9 weeks postoperatively.nnnLEVEL OF EVIDENCEnLevel IV, therapeutic case series.

Clinical and Functional Outcome After Acetabular Labral Repair in Patients Aged Older Than 50 Years

PURPOSEnTo assess the clinical and functional outcome of labral repair in patients aged older than 50 years.nnnMETHODSnWe performed a prospective analysis of 20 patients aged older than 50 years who had undergone arthroscopic repair of a torn acetabular labrum (6 men and 14 women; mean age, 58 years). The indication for surgery was groin pain due to various causes with or without associated mechanical symptoms that did not respond to nonoperative treatment for more than 6 months. Intraoperatively, all patients were diagnosed with labral pathology. The mean duration of symptoms was 3.1 years (range, 0.5 to 15 years). The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range, 12 to 35 months). The outcome was prospectively measured with the modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS).nnnRESULTSnThe indication for surgery was femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with cam deformity and a labral tear in 4 patients, FAI with pincer deformity and a labral tear in 1 patient, FAI with both deformities in 1 patient, a gluteus medius tear in 2 patients, and an isolated labral tear in 12 patients. Acetabular chondral lesions were present in 11 patients (55%). The mean preoperative and postoperative MHHS was 62.5 and 87.2, respectively (P < .001); the mean preoperative and postoperative HOS was 42.7 and 86.3, respectively (P < .001); and the mean preoperative and postoperative level of function during usual activities of daily living according to the HOS was 46.0% and 73.7%, respectively (P < .001). No significant difference was identified in MHHS and HOS between gender groups.nnnCONCLUSIONSnArthroscopic management of FAI and labral repair in patients aged older than 50 years without significant arthritis (Tönnis grade 1 or better) are associated with significant improvement in outcome. Because of the potential importance of the labrum for long-term hip joint integrity, we advocate repair of the labrum in patients aged older than 50 years when possible.nnnLEVEL OF EVIDENCEnLevel IV, therapeutic case series.

In Support of Early Surgery for Hip Fractures Sustained by Elderly Patients Taking Clopidogrel

Background: Early surgical treatment is indicated to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with immobilization due to hip fracture. The judiciousness of postponing surgery to allow withdrawal of clopidogrel and return of normal platelet function (5–10 days) in elderly patients being chronically treated with this antiplatelet medication is a matter of ongoing controversy.Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the morbidity and mortality rates in elderly patients receiving long-term treatment with clopidogrel who were operated on with or without delay (due to withdrawal of clopidogrel) following a hip fracture.Methods: We compared relevant demographic and medical/surgical parameters in patients receiving long-term treatment with clopidogrel who sustained a hip fracture and underwent either early (n = 30, mean ± SD age 81.6 ± 8.7 years, 17 males [57%]) or delayed (n = 30, mean±SD age 83.3±7.1 years, 13 males [43%]) surgical intervention between May 2007 and February 2010.Results: Both groups were similar with regard to sex, age, co-morbidities and fracture type. The mortality rate was similar in both groups. Patients in the delayed treatment group had more complications associated with prolonged immobilization (pulmonary embolism, pulmonary oedema, decubitus ulcer). Time from admission to surgery and hospitalization stay were significantly longer in the delayed treatment group than in the early treatment group (mean ± SD 7 days and 12 hours ± 2 days and 17 hours compared with 1 day and 16 hours±1 day [p<0.0001] and 17 days and 17 hours±7 days and 5 hours versus 11 days and 2 hours±4 days and 19 hours [p = 0.0002], respectively).Conclusions: Early surgical intervention for hip fracture in patients receiving long-term treatment with clopidogrel appears to be safe in terms of bleeding complications. It has the potential to enable earlier mobilization and shorter hospitalization and may reduce mortality and complications associated with immobilization.

Milch versus Stimson technique for nonsedated reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation: a prospective randomized trial and analysis of factors affecting success

BACKGROUNDnThe shoulder is regarded as the most commonly dislocated major joint in the human body. Most dislocations can be reduced by simple methods in the emergency department, whereas others require more complicated approaches. We compared the efficacy, safety, pain, and duration of the reduction between the Milch technique and the Stimson technique in treating dislocations. We also identified factors that affected success rate.nnnMETHODSnAll enrolled patients were randomized to either the Milch technique or the Stimson technique for dislocated shoulder reduction.nnnRESULTSnThe study cohort consisted of 60 patients (mean age, 43.9 years; age range, 18-88 years) who were randomly assigned to treatment by either the Stimson technique (n = 25) or the Milch technique (n = 35). Oral analgesics were available for both groups. The 2 groups were similar in demographics, patient characteristics, and pain levels. The first reduction attempt in the Milch and Stimson groups was successful in 82.8% and 28% of cases, respectively (P < .001), and the mean reduction time was 4.68 and 8.84 minutes, respectively (P = .007). The success rate was found to be affected by the reduction technique, the interval between dislocation occurrence and first reduction attempt, and the pain level on admittance.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe success rate and time to achieve reduction without sedation were superior for the Milch technique compared with the Stimson technique. Early implementation of reduction measures and low pain levels at presentation favor successful reduction, which--in combination with oral pain medication--constitutes an acceptable and reasonable management alternative to reduction with sedation.

Pathological findings in patients with low anterior inferior iliac spine impingement

PurposeFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been well described in recent years as one of the major causes of hip pain potentially leading to acetabular labral tears and cartilage damage, which may in turn lead to the development of early degenerative changes. More recently, extra-articular patterns of impingement such as the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS)/subspine hip impingement have gained focus as a cause of hip pain and limitation in terminal hip flexion and internal rotation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low AIIS in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy and to characterize the concomitant intra-articular lesions.MethodsBetween November 2011 and April 2013, 100 consecutive patients underwent hip arthroscopy for various diagnoses by a single surgeon. After intra-operative diagnosis of low AIIS was made, a comprehensive review of the patients’ records, preoperative radiographs, and intra-operative findings was conducted to document the existence and location of labral and chondral lesions.ResultsTwenty-one (21xa0%) patients had low AIIS. There were 13 males (mean age 38.4xa0years) and eight females (mean age 35.5xa0years). Eight patients had pre-operative radiographic evidence of low AIIS. All patients had a labral tear anteriorly, at the level of the AIIS; 17 had chondrolabral disruption and 17 had chondral lesions in zone two (antero-superior); and four patients had lesion in zones two and three.ConclusionsLow AIIS is a common intra-operative finding in hip arthroscopy patients. Characteristic labral and chondral lesions are routinely found in a predictable location that effaces the low AIIS.Level of Evidence—Level IV, Case Series

The Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine: Size, Position, and Location. An Anthropometric and Sex Survey

PURPOSEnThe purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the size, location, and position of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) in normal individuals.nnnMETHODSnWe reviewed 50 computed tomography (CT) scans of 50 patients without hip pain or pathologic features. Mean patient height was 169.8 cm (women, 163 cm; men, 176.8 cm) and mean weight was 69.6 kg (women, 63.8 kg; men, 75.4 kg). We used all scans to measure both the left and right AIIS for the anatomic description of 100 AIISs. We measured AIIS dimensions, specifically length, width, and height. We also measured vertical, horizontal, and straight distances between the most anteroinferior prominence of the AIIS and the acetabular rim. We normalized AIIS size and distances from the acetabular rim according to the patients height and body mass index (BMI). We also assessed the version of the AIIS using 2 angles. The first angle was the angle between the AIIS midaxis line and a plumb line, and the second angle was calculated as the angle subtended by the AIIS midaxis line and the ilium midaxis line.nnnRESULTSnThere were no significant differences between the AIIS in men and women in all measurements (except the width of the AIIS) when normalized to the patients height and BMI. There were no significant differences in AIIS dimensions when comparing side-to-side differences in the entire study population.nnnCONCLUSIONSnIn quantifying AIIS dimensional size, distance from the anterior acetabular rim, and version, this study found no significant difference in all measurements normalized to patient size (height and BMI) between the left and right sides, and no significant sex difference was found in AIIS measurements, except the width of the AIIS.nnnCLINICAL RELEVANCEnMorphologic variations that deviate from these normal values may help the clinician identify cases of subspinal impingement.

Dynamic locking plate vs. simple cannulated screws for nondisplaced intracapsular hip fracture: A comparative study

INTRODUCTIONnIntracapsular hip fractures (ICHF) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality and pose a great economic burden on the health care systems. Appropriate surgical treatment requires balancing optimal outcomes with the cost of treatment to the health care system. While in elderly patients with displaced ICHF arthroplasty became the standard of care, the internal fixation method for conserving the femoral head in younger patients or in nondisplaced ICHF is still in debate. We compared a dynamic locking plate with the standard cancellous cannulated screws (CCS) for treatment of nondisplaced ICHF.nnnMETHODSnAll patients treated with internal fixation for nondisplaced ICHF between July 2009 and December 2012 at our level one trauma center were included in this study. Patients treated with Targon FN (Aesculap) implants and CCS (Synthes) were compared. Charts were reviewed for demographics, intraoperative data and peri/post operative complications retrospectively. Radiographical analysis, pain (VAS), quality of life (SF12) and function (MHHS) data were prospectively gathered.nnnRESULTSnOne hundred and fifteen non-displaced ICHFs were treated with internal fixation, 81 with CCS and 34 with Targon FN implant; the mean follow-up was 19 and 28 months, respectively. Group fracture characteristics (Garden/Powel classification), and demographics, excluding age, were not significantly different. Post-operative revision rates of the Targon FN and CCS groups, perioperative complications were not statistically different (p>0.05). Quality of life (SF-12), function (Modified Harris Hip Score) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were not statistical different.nnnCONCLUSIONSnComplication rates and clinical outcomes for the treatment of nondisplaced ICHF with Targon FN and SCC showed no significant differences. Based on this evidence in consideration of the substantial cost differential between the Targon FN and SCC we suggest SCC for treatment of nondisplaced ICHF.nnnLEVEL OF EVIDENCEnIII.

Capsular closure does not affect development of heterotopic ossification after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSEnThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of capsular closure after hip arthroscopy in reduction of the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO).nnnMETHODSnOne hundred (50 study group, 50 control group) consecutive hip arthroscopy procedures with radiographic follow-up of more than 9 weeks were included in the study. The study group consisted of 50 patients in whom capsular closure with 2 No. 1 polydioxanone (PDS) sutures was performed, and a control group consisted of 50 patients in whom the capsule remained open after capsulotomy. HO was assessed by radiographs using the Brooker classification. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out with the χ-square or Fisher exact test and Student t test, when appropriate, at a significance level of .05.nnnRESULTSnThirty-six (36%) patients had radiographic evidence of postoperative HO (14 patients in the capsular closure group). No significant difference was found regarding sex, side of operation, age, or HO rate between the study and the control groups (P = .778, P = .123, P = .744, and P = .144, respectively). Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the rate of HO with potential clinical significance (Brooker classification > I) between the control and study groups (P = .764).nnnCONCLUSIONSnCapsular closure did not seem to alter the rate of HO when compared with a control group of patients in whom the capsulotomy was not repaired.nnnLEVEL OF EVIDENCEnLevel III, retrospective comparative study.

The impact of serum albumin and serum protein levels on POSSUM score of patients with proximal femur fractures

BACKGROUNDnPOSSUM was developed to predict risk-adjusted mortality and morbidity rates for surgical procedures. We evaluated the impact of serum albumin and serum protein levels on POSSUM scores.nnnMETHODSnMedical files of 2269 patients operated for proximal femur fractures were reviewed. Preoperative serum albumin levels were available for 387 patients (mean 35.1g/l, range 22-49) and serum protein levels for 279 patients (mean 61.6g/l, range 40-86).nnnRESULTSnSerum albumin and protein levels were inversely associated with mortality in multivariate models (albumin, OR=0.89, p=0.009; protein, OR=0.92, p=0.009) and in composite outcome models as well (albumin, OR=0.955, p=0.219, protein, OR=0.94, p=0.014). The area under the curve (AUC) for POSSUM prediction of mortality (n=1770) was 0.632 (95% CI: 0.580-0.684, p<0.001). The AUC for a model including serum protein levels was 0.742 (95% CI: 0.649-0.834, p<0.001). Hospitalisation time was longer for patients with lower serum proteins levels (p=0.045), with an inverse correlation (Pearson correlation -0.164, p=0.011).nnnCONCLUSIONSnLower preoperative serum albumin and serum protein levels were associated with increased risk for mortality, increased hospitalisation time and poorer outcomes in patients operated for proximal femoral fractures. Including those values to POSSUM scores would increase their predictive power.