Lisandro Carbo

Patellofemoral arthritis treated with resurfacing implant: Clinical outcome and complications at a minimum two-year follow-up

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a series of patients treated with an anatomic inlay resurfacing implant, with a minimum two-year follow-up. METHODS Fifteen patients underwent patellofemoral-resurfacing procedures using a HemiCAP Wave Patellofemoral Inlay Resurfacing implant from 2010 to 2013. Clinical outcomes included: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lysholm score, Knee Society Score (KSS), and evaluation of Kujala, and Hospital for Special Surgery Patellofemoral score (HSS-PF). The postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS Nineteen knees were evaluated; the average follow-up was 35.2months. Fourteen were women, with an average age of 54years. The pre-operative/postoperative clinical results presented a significant improvement: VAS 8/2.5, Lysholm 31.9/85.8, KSS 39.8/82.5, Kujala 32.1/79.3 and Hospital for Special Surgery Patellofemoral score (HSS-PF) 15.9/90.6. A total of 87% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall outcome. There were no radiographic signs of loosening. Seven postoperative complications were recorded: two presented ongoing knee pain, one postoperative stiffness, one patellar bounce due to maltracking, two ilio-tibial band syndrome, and one tibial anterior tuberosity osteotomy nonunion. Two patients underwent a total knee arthroplasty conversion and were considered a failure. None of these complications were implant related. CONCLUSIONS Patellofemoral inlay resurfacing for isolated patellofemoral arthritis was an effective and safe procedure with high levels of patient satisfaction. No mechanical implant failure was seen at a minimum two-year follow-up. This implant design appeared to be an alternative to the traditional patellofemoral prostheses. Concomitant osteochondral lesions, patellofemoral dysplasia or patellar maltracking might be poor prognostic factors for this type of implant.

Traumatic Dislodgement of Tibial Polyethylene Insert after a High-Flex Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Replacement

Many pathologic entities can produce a painful total knee replacement (TKR) that may lead to potential prosthetic failure. Polyethylene insert dissociation from the tibial baseplate has been described most frequently after mobile-bearing and cruciate-retaining TKRs. However, only 3 tibial insert dislocations in primary fixed-bearing High-Flex posterior-stabilized TKRs have been reported. We present a new case of tibial insert dislocation in a High-Flex model that shares similarities and differences with the cases reported, facilitating the analysis of the potential causes, which still remain undefined.

Mycotic Infection post ACL Reconstruction: Preventive Measures

Objectives: There are several studies in literature of septic arthritis after the ACL arthroscopic reconstruction related to bacterial germs. However, fungi infection is likely infrequent generating a massive bone loss with a catastrophic result. The purpose of this study was to describe preventive measures to decrease the mycotic infection after ACL reconstruction. Methods: Since 2005, we have diagnosed and treated 22 immunocompetent patients who underwent a surgery of an ACL lesion in other institutions in the country. Form these cases, we analyzed 19 which developed mycotic infection and an oncologic debridement was performed to control the pathology. In this series, we considered the initial surgery, the number of toilettes performed until their referral, magnitude of bone loss and final outcome. There were 5 other patients who consulted for mucormycosis, who finally were treated in other hospitals. Results: Epidemiology of mucormycosis is not clear. The exact cause is unknown due to heterogeneous data, different places and surgeons, facilities and type of surgical instruments in this series. In spite of not knowing the cause of the infection, several alternatives were evaluated in a non systematic way. Most of them related to the surgery room, sterilization place of the surgical tools, use of sterilizing liquids, cleanliness of lumen and cannulated bits. Instruments used during surgery were also evaluated: fields, shaver blades, drill types, ACL reconstruction fixation method. It is doubtful if the type of graft to reconstruct the ACL had any relation with infections. Among ideal preventive measures, the following are described: Surgery room with temperature and humidity control. Not using sterilizing liquids. Optimal preparation of surgical tools with adequate cleanliness of lumen and cannulated bits performed by adequate personnel. Sterilize in the same place where the surgery will be performed. Use of adequate instruments. The use of the central third of the patellar tendon had less incidence of infection. Conclusion: Taking into account these preventive measures, the incidence of this aggressive and devastating complication should be decreased.

Estudio prospectivo randomizado sobre el uso de drenaje vs. no drenaje en artroplastia total de rodilla. [Prospective randomized study on the use of drainage in total knee arthroplasty.]

Introduction The use of drainage in total knee arthroplasty is a widely accepted practice in Orthopedics; however, there is not conclusive evidence about its benefit in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare two groups of patients in whom primary total knee arthroplasty with and without drainage was performed. Methods Prospective randomized study in which 76 primary total knee arthroplasties were performed; patients were divided into two groups: group A, with drainage, and group B, without drainage. The number of transfusions, the drainage debit, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Diameter of the thigh, range of motion, hematocrit and hemoglobin were also recorded before and after surgery in both groups. Results No statistically significant differences were found in thigh diameter, range of motion, hematocrit, hemoglobin, number of transfusions, and hospital stay. The number of complications in group B (without drainage) was higher (P = 0.019): two deep infections, two cases of cellulitis, one case of blebs, a hip fracture, a superficial vein thrombosis, a deep venous thrombosis, and one pulmonary thromboembolism. Conclusion Patients without postoperative drainage presented a higher number of complications.

Ligamento Cruzado Anterior Mucoide. [Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament]

Background The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic literature review of the ACL mucoid and describe our experience in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of this pathology. Methods We describe the clinical features, the pathophysiology, the imaging findings and surgical treatment of this condition. Furthermore we present a retrospective study performed between 2004 and 2011 including 27 patients (average age 55 years; range: 34-68 years). Pain, range of motion and stability were taken into account in the evaluation of patients. Clinical maneuvers and KT-1000 test were used to assess post-surgical stability. X-rays and MRI were performed before and after surgery. Post-surgical results were evaluated using the Lysholm score, IKDC and with the visual analogue scale. Samples were taken for biopsies. Results Visual analogue scale improved 6 points (max 8- min 2). Mobility range improved an average of 26o. Knee stability was not affected. As regards the functional evaluation, final IKDC was A in 50% of patients, B in 33% and C in 17%. Lysholm score was 95 points. Results in the subjective rating scale ranged from very good to excellent in most patients. There were no post-surgical complications. Conclusions MRI is the best imaging technique for diagnosis. Findings are characteristic and should not be confused with ACL tears. Final diagnosis is histological. We believe that the arthroscopic treatment is effective and with a low incidence of complications.