Rebecca G. Snider

Use of Continuous Passive Motion in the Postoperative Treatment of Intra-Articular Knee Fractures

BACKGROUND The use of continuous passive motion in the postoperative treatment of intra-articular fractures around the knee is increasing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a continuous passive motion device on knee range of motion after operative treatment of intra-articular fractures around the knee. METHODS Forty patients with intra-articular fractures of either the proximal part of the tibia or the distal end of the femur were prospectively randomized to the use of continuous passive motion or standardized physical therapy in the immediate postoperative period for forty-eight hours. The primary outcome was knee range of motion. Secondary outcome measures included pain scores, Lower Limb Outcomes Questionnaire scores, and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment scores. Evaluations were conducted at forty-eight hours, two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months postoperatively. RESULTS There was no significant difference in knee extension between the groups at any time point measured. Knee flexion was significantly greater at forty-eight hours in the group managed with the continuous passive motion device than in the group managed without the continuous passive motion device (p < 0.005). However, there was no significant difference in knee flexion at any other time point. There was no significant difference in knee pain at forty-eight hours between groups. Six (30%) of twenty patients were unable to tolerate the use of the continuous passive motion device. There were no significant differences in overall complications. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that the use of continuous passive motion in the immediate postoperative period following the treatment of intra-articular fractures offers no benefit with regard to knee motion at six months and is not tolerated by all patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intraoperative Platelet Rich Plasma Usage in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does It Help?

Autologous platelet rich plasma preparations, commonly referred to as platelet gel, have been reported to have benefits when used in total knee replacement of less blood loss and better motion, with few reported complications. This retrospective review of 268 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasty cases compares postsurgical range of motion at 2, 8, and 12 weeks, knee manipulation rates, change in hemoglobin, and complications between one group receiving a platelet gel preparation (135 cases), and an equivalent group receiving no platelet gel preparation (133 control cases). No difference was found between groups in manipulation rates, knee range of motion, or changes in hemoglobin (P > 0.05). The use of platelet gel in this study did not have a significant effect on hemoglobin at 72 hours postoperatively, knee range of motion, or manipulation rates up to 3 months post-op in this patient cohort.

Comparison of conventional polyethylene wear and signs of cup failure in two similar total hip designs.

Multiple factors have been identified as contributing to polyethylene wear and debris generation of the acetabular lining. Polyethylene wear is the primary limiting factor in the functional behavior and consequent longevity of a total hip arthroplasty (THA). This retrospective study reviewed the clinical and radiographic data of 77 consecutive THAs comparing in vivo polyethylene wear of two similar acetabular cup liners. Minimum follow-up was 7 years (range 7–15). The incidence of measurable wear in a group of machined liners sterilized with ethylene oxide and composed of GUR 1050 stock resin was significantly higher (61%) than the compression-molded, GUR 1020, O2-free gamma irradiation sterilized group (24%) (P = 0.0004). Clinically, at a 9-year average followup, both groups had comparable HHS scores and incidence of thigh or groin pain, though the machined group had an increased incidence of osteolysis and annual linear wear rate.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Retrieval Analysis: A Case Report

This is a case report involving a single case with severe bone and soft tissue destruction in a young male patient with a 10-year-metal on-metal total hip arthroplasty. Following complete aseptic erosion of the affected hip greater trochanter and abductor muscles, the hip was revised for recurrent instability. Histological examination of the patients periprosthetic tissues, serological studies, and review of recent medical reports of similar cases were used to support an explanation of the destructive process and better contribute to our understanding of human reaction to metal debris in some patients following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty.

Short-term results of novel constrained total hip arthroplasty

Constrained acetabular components have only been recommended as a salvage option for the persistently unstable total hip arthroplasty (THA), due to limited range of motion and less than satisfactory component failure rates. This is a retrospective review of 137 patients with 154 consecutive primary constrained THAs performed between November 2003 and August 2007. We reviewed serial radiographs, postoperative complications, groin/thigh pain, and compared preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Scores. With a mean follow-up of 6 years, there was 1.9% dislocation rate, 0% component failure rate, and 2.6% infection rate. Seven patients reported continued groin pain, and three had continued thigh pain. One patient showed radiographic evidence of 1 mm polyethylene wear. Radiographic review showed no evidence of osteolysis or stem subsidence. Harris Hip Scores improved from a mean of 68.8 (range 58-87) preoperatively to 98.9 (range 65-100) at final clinical assessment. This constrained acetabular prosthesis had a dislocation rate of less than 2%, with 0% component failure rate at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up suggesting this prosthesis may be a viable alternative for patients at risk for instability or those known to have recurrent instability.

Early Return To Play After Intramedullary Screw Fixation Of Jones Fractures In Collegiate Athletes: 23 Year Experience

Objectives: There is a general consensus that Jones fractures should be treated operatively with an intramedullary screw in high-level athletes. However, there is disagreement among team physicians, without conclusive evidence as to when the athlete should be allowed to return to play. The objective of this study is to report our experience of early return to sport in collegiate athletes after intramedullary screw fixation of Jones Fractures. Methods: All skeletally mature collegiate athletes with a true Jones fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal that was treated by one of two orthopaedic surgeons with operative intramedullary screw fixation over a 23 year period (1994-2016) were identified and records reviewed retrospectively. All return to play and complication data was obtained from the athletic trainer database at the two universities. Fixation consisted of a single intramedullary screw (10 partially threaded cannulated screws, 13 cannulated variable pitch screws, 3 solid screws). The athletes were allowed to weight bear as tolerated in a CAM boot immediately postoperatively, and return to play with a carbon fiber insert as soon as they could tolerate activity. In 2016, patients were contacted to complete patient reported outcome scores that included the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score and a brief survey specific to our study, as well as follow-up radiographs if possible. Results: 26 Jones Fractures were treated in 25 collegiate athletes. The average age was 20 years (18-23). Overall, athletes returned to play or training at an average of 3.5 weeks (1.5-6). All in-season athletes returned to play within 4.5 weeks (1.5-4.5). Off-season athletes returned to play within 4-6 weeks. There were no cases of nonunion (clinically or radiographically). Three screws were removed due to symptomatic skin irritation. There was one re-fracture following screw removal after documented radiographic and clinical fracture union. This patient was treated with repeat cannulated percutaneous screw fixation. The athlete returned to play in 2 weeks. One screw was noted to be broken on an ankle radiograph 1 year post-op, but the fracture was healed and the athlete was playing division 1 sports without symptoms, and continued professionally without symptoms. 18/25 athletes completed patient reported outcome scores at an average of 7.95 years (range 1.2-17) follow-up. The average estimated percent of normal for activities of daily living was 93.8% (70-100%, and for athletic participation was 90.3% (40-100%). Follow up radiographs were obtained on 13/26 fractures at an average of 6.48 years (range 1.2-16) with no nonunion, malunion, or additional hardware complications identified. Conclusion: Athletes with Jones fractures can safely be allowed to return to play after intramedullary screw fixation as soon as their symptoms allow without significant complications. In our experience, this is usually within 4 weeks from injury.

Medical Team Training Improves Team Performance: AOA Critical Issues.

Effective teamwork and communication can decrease medical errors in environments where the culture of safety is enhanced. Health care can benefit from programs that are based on teamwork, as in other high-stress industries (e.g., aviation), with crew resource management programs, simulator use, and utilization of checklists. Medical team training (MTT) with a strong leadership commitment was used at our institution to focus specifically on creating open, yet structured, communication in operating rooms. Training included the 3 phases of the World Health Organization protocol to organize communication and briefings: preoperative verification, preincision briefing, and debriefing at or near the end of the surgical case. This training program led to measured improvements in job satisfaction and compliance with checklist tasks, and identified opportunities to improve training sessions. MTT provides the potential for sustainable change and a positive impact on the environment of the operating room.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of a Commercially Pure Cancellous-Structured Titanium Press Fit Total Hip Prosthetic Stem: Ten-Year Followup of the “Natural Hip” Femoral Stem

This study evaluates the outcomes of 92 hip arthroplasties using a press fit, tapered, split tip, proximally porous ingrowth (CSTi) femoral stem (Zimmer Natural Hip) in consecutive hip arthroplasty patients followed for an average of ten years postoperatively (range 5–16 years). Patients were functionally and radiographically evaluated using Harris Hip Scores and plain radiographs assessing postarthroplasty groin or thigh pain and radiographic signs of stem subsidence, proximal femoral fixation, stress shielding, and related calcar resorption. At followup of 5–10 years, the incidence of groin pain and thigh pain was 9.1% and 3.6%, respectively. This incidence improved over time. Beyond 10 years of followup, groin pain was 2.7% and thigh pain zero. In 89% of cases, there was solid contact between the calcar and the undersurface of the stem collar. Five cases were revised for instability (5.4%). The Harris Hip Scores and the incidence of thigh or groin pain were very favorable compared to other reported press fit total hip arthroplasty stems and not significantly different across a broad age range. There were no cases of stem loosening of failure of bony ingrowth into the stem.

Comparative Outcomes Assessment: Hip Hemiarthroplasty as an Alternative to THA in Patients with Surgically Pristine Acetabulum—Is There Still a Role?

This is a retrospective review of 243 hip arthroplasties treated with either hemiarthroplasty (61 surgeries-Group 1) or total hip arthroplasty (182 surgeries-Group 2). The mid- to long-term results of relatively similar, predominately young patient cohorts were assessed annually via radiographs and the Harris Hip Scores for pain and clinical function. Groin pain persisted in 16.4% of Group 1 and 5.5% of Group 2 (P = 0.0159). Thigh pain persisted in 11.5% of Group 1 and 2.2% of Group 2 (P = 0.0078). Complications in Group 1 were 4/61 including 2 revisions with an overall survival rate of 96.7% versus Group 2 complication rate of 29/182 with 15 revisions and an overall survival rate of 91.8%. There were no cases of acetabular protrusio in Group 1, but 2 cases (1%) in Group 2 had cup loosening or osteolysis. Two cases were revised in Group 1 (3.2%). Both were undersized femoral stems. The fifteen revisions (8.2%) in Group 2 included loose stem (1), instability (8), infections (3), cup loosening (2), and accelerated polyethylene wear (1). Hemiarthroplasty has a higher incidence of thigh and groin pain but fewer complications compared with total hip arthroplasty.

Clinical and Radiographic Comparison of Oxidized Zirconium and Cobalt Chrome Femoral Components of a Single Design Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Is the Cost Difference Justified Based on Patient Outcomes?

A review of 120 consecutive total knee arthroplasty patient records was made comparing oxidized zirconium with traditional cobalt chrome alloy femoral components and assessing the clinical and radiographic outcomes of each. The direct hospital implant cost for each of these implant systems was obtained and assessed in the context of any difference in patient Knee Society Scores, knee flexion, pain, probability of metal allergy, and radiographic signs of pending implant failures. At an average of 5.6-year followup (1–11-year range in both groups), the data showed no clinical or radiological variance between the two groups, while the hospital direct implant cost with the oxidized zirconium femoral component was