Risk factors of early periprosthetic femoral fracture after total knee arthroplasty

Background Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is a serious complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the risk factors of PFF in the early postoperative setting are not well documented. This study determines the risk factors of early PFF after primary TKA. Methods This study recruited 24 patients who had early PFF within postoperative 3 months and 96 control patients. Demographic data (age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, diagnosis, operated side, underlying diseases and history of steroid usage intraoperative outcomes), intraoperative outcomes (operative time, surgical approach, type and brand of the prosthesis), and radiographic outcomes (distal femoral width; DFW, prosthesis-distal femoral width ratio; PDFW ratio, anatomical lateral distal femoral angle; LDFA, the change of LDFA, femoral component flexion angle; FCFA and anterior femoral notching; AFN) were recorded and compared between groups. Details of PFF, including fracture pattern, preoperative deformity, and time to PFF were also documented. Results In univariate analysis, the PFF group had significantly older, right side injury, rheumatoid, dyslipidemia, Parkinson patients than the control group (p < 0.05). No cruciate-retaining design was used in PFF group (p = 0.004). Differences between the prosthetic brand used were found in this study (p = 0.049). For radiographic outcomes, PFF group had significantly lower DFW but higher PDFW ratio and postoperative LDFA than the control group (p < 0.05). While the change of LDFA, FCFA and AFN were similar between groups. The fracture patterns were medial condylar (45.8%), lateral condylar (25.0%) and supracondylar fracture (29.2%). The mean overall time to PFF was 37.2 ± 20.6 days (range 8–87 days). Preoperative deformity was significantly different among the three patterns (p < 0.05). When performed multivariate analysis using the logistic regression model, age was only an independent risk factor for early PFF. The cut-off point of age was > = 75 years, with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 78.1%. Conclusion This study determined that age was the independent risk factors for early PFF. However, further well-controlled studies with a larger sample size were needed to address this issue.

Surgical outcomes with anatomic reduction of high-grade spondylolisthesis revisited: an analysis of 101 patients

OBJECTIVE The ideal strategy for high-grade L5–S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis (HGS) remains controversial. Critical questions include the impact of reduction on clinical outcomes, rate of pseudarthrosis, and postoperative foot drop. The scope of this study was to delineate predictors of radiographic and clinical outcome factors after surgery for HGS and to identify risk factors of foot drop. METHODS This was a single-center analysis of patients who were admitted for HGS, defined as grade III or greater L5 translation according to the Meyerding (MD) classification. Complete postoperative reduction was defined as MD grade I or less and L5 slip < 20%. Forty-six patients completed health-related quality-of-life questionnaires (Oswestry Disability Index, Physical Component Summary of SF-36, and visual analog scale) and ≥ 2 years’ follow-up (average 105 months). A 540° approach was used in 61 patients, a 360° approach was used in 40, and L5 corpectomy was used in 17. Radiographic analysis included measures of global spinopelvic balance (e.g., pelvic incidence [PI], lumbar lordosis) and measurement of lumbosacral kyphosis angle (LSA), L4 slope (L4S), L5 slip (%), and postoperative increase of L5–S1 height. RESULTS The authors included 101 patients with > 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow-up. The mean age was 26 years. Average preoperative MD grade was 3.8 and average L5 slip was 81%; complete reduction was achieved in 55 and 42 patients, respectively, according to these criteria. At follow-up, LSA correlated with all clinical outcomes (r ≥ 0.4, p < 0.05). Forty patients experienced a major complication. Risk was increased in patients with greater preoperative deformity (i.e., LSA) (p = 0.04) and those who underwent L5 corpectomy (p < 0.01) and correlated with greater deformity correction. Thirty-one patients needed revision surgery, including 17 for pseudarthrosis. Patients who needed revision surgery had greater preoperative deformity (i.e., MD grade and L5 slip) (p < 0.01), greater PI (p = 0.02), and greater postoperative L4S (p < 0.01) and were older (p = 0.02), and these patients more often underwent L5 corpectomy (p < 0.01). Complete reduction was associated with lower likelihood of pseudarthrosis (p = 0.08) and resulted in better lumbar lordosis correction (p = 0.03). Thirty patients had foot drop, and these patients had greater MD grade and L5 slip (p < 0.01) and greater preoperative LSA (p < 0.01). These patients with foot drop more often required L5 corpectomy (p < 0.01). Change in preoperative L4S (p = 0.02), LSA (p < 0.01), and L5–S1 height (p = 0.02) were significantly different between patients with foot drop and those without foot drop. A significant risk model was established that included L4S change and PI as independent variables and foot drop as a dependent variable (82% negative predictive value and 71% positive predictive value, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Multivariable analysis identified factors associated with foot drop, major complications, and need for revision surgery, including degree of deformity (MD grade and L5 slip) and correction of LSA. Functional outcome correlated with LSA correction.

Risk Factors of Early Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPeriprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is a serious complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the risk factors of PFF in the early postoperative setting are not well documented. This study determines the risk factors of early PFF after primary TKA.MethodsThis study recruited 24 patients who had early PFF within postoperative 3 months and 96 control patients. Demographic data (age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, diagnosis, operated side, underlying diseases and history of steroid usage intraoperative outcomes), intraoperative outcomes (operative time, surgical approach, type and brand of the prosthesis), and radiographic outcomes (distal femoral width; DFW, prosthesis-distal femoral width ratio; PDFW ratio, anatomical lateral distal femoral angle; LDFA, femoral component flexion angle; FCFA and anterior femoral notching; AFN) were recorded and compared between groups. Details of PFF, including fracture pattern, preoperative deformity, and time to PFF were also documented.ResultsIn univariate analysis, the PFF group had significantly older, right side injury, rheumatoid, dyslipidemia, Parkinson patients than the control group (p < 0.05). No cruciate-retaining design was used in PFF group (p = 0.004). Differences between the prosthetic brand used were found in this study (p = 0.046). For radiographic outcomes, PFF group had significantly lower DFW but higher PDFW ratio and LDFA than the control group (p < 0.05). While FCFA and AFN were similar between groups. The fracture patterns were medial condylar (45.8%), lateral condylar (25.0%) and supracondylar fracture (29.2%). The mean overall time to PFF was 37.2 ± 20.6 days (range 8 – 87 days). Preoperative deformity was significantly different among the three patterns (p < 0.05). When analyzed using the logistic regression model, age and dyslipidemia were only two independent risk factors for early PFF. The cut-off point of age was > = 75 years, with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 78.1%. The odds ratio of dyslipidemia was 6.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 39.8).ConclusionThis study determined that age and dyslipidemia were the independent risk factors for early PFF. However, further well-controlled studies with a larger sample size were needed to address this issue.

Intermetatarsal Angle and Hallux Abductus Angle Reduction After First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis in Mild, Moderate, and Severe Hallux Valgus

Background First metatarsophalangeal joint fusion is a commonly used procedure for treating many pathologic disorders of the first ray. Historically, hallux valgus deformity with severely increased intermetatarsal angle or metatarsus primus adductus indicated need for a proximal metatarsal procedure. However, the effectiveness and reliability of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis in reducing the intermetatarsal angle has been increasingly described in the literature. We compared findings at our institution with current literature for further validation of this well-accepted procedure in correcting hallux valgus deformity with high intermetatarsal angle. Methods Weightbearing preoperative and postoperative radiographs of 43 patients, 31 women and 12 men, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. Two independent investigators measured the hallux abductus and intermetatarsal angles. Preoperative and postoperative measurements for each angle were compared and average reduction calculated. The data were further analyzed by grouping deformities as mild, moderate, and severe. Mean follow-up was 10 months. Results The overall mean preoperative intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles decreased significantly (from 13.09° to 9.33° and from 23.72° to 12.19°, respectively; both P &lt; .01). When grouping deformities as mild, moderate, and severe, all of the categories maintained reduction of intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles (P &lt; .01). Furthermore, the mean reduction of the intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles seemed to correlate with preoperative deformity severity. Conclusions In patients undergoing correction of hallux valgus deformity, first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis produced consistent reductions in the intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles. Furthermore, these findings are consistent with those reported by other institutions.

Three-Dimensional Biometric Weightbearing CT Evaluation of the Operative Treatment of Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Background: Assessment of operative correction of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) has been traditionally performed by clinical evaluation and conventional radiographic imaging. Previously, a 3-dimensional biometric weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) tool, the foot ankle offset (FAO), has been developed and validated in assessing hindfoot alignment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of FAO in evaluating operative deformity correction in AAFD. Methods: In this prospective comparative study, 19 adult patients (20 feet) with stage II (flexible) flatfoot deformity underwent preoperative and postoperative standing WBCT examination at mean 19 months (range, 6-24) after surgery. Three-dimensional coordinates of the foot tripod and center of the ankle joint were acquired by 2 independent and blinded observers. These coordinates were used to calculate the FAO using dedicated software, and subsequently compared pre- and postoperatively. The FAO is a previously validated biometric measurement that represents centering of the foot tripod as well as hindfoot alignment, with a normal mean FAO of 2.3% ± 2.9%. In addition, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) clinical outcomes scores were compared pre- and postoperatively with a mean follow-up of 22.6 months (range, 14-37). Results: There was significant correction of flatfoot deformity from a mean preoperative FAO of 9.8% to a mean postoperative value of 1.3% ( P < .001). Additionally, there was statistically significant improvement in all PROMIS domains ( P < .05), except depression, at an average follow-up of 22.6 months. Spring ligament reconstruction was the only procedure associated with a significant correction in FAO ( P = .0064). Conclusion: The FAO was a reliable and sensitive tool that was used to evaluate preoperative deformity as well as postoperative correction, with patients demonstrating both significant improvement in FAO as well as patient-reported outcomes. These findings demonstrate the role for biometric 3-dimensional WBCT imaging in assessing operative correction after flatfoot reconstruction, as well as the potential role for operative planning to address preoperative deformity. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

High Prevalence of Degenerative Changes at the Metatarsal Head Sesamoid Articulation Found During Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery

Background. Despite the absence of complications and a restoration of normal hallux alignment, some patients have suboptimal outcomes from hallux valgus correction surgery. One risk factor for persistent pain may be the presence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids, an area not easily assessed with standard radiographs unless dedicated sesamoid views are obtained. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the metatarsal head for degenerative changes during hallux valgus correction surgery and identified preoperative risk factors associated with these changes. Methods. We prospectively evaluated 200 feet in 196 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery intraoperatively for the pattern and severity of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head. Mann-Whitney U testing was implemented to compare differences in arthritic scores between preoperative deformity groups. The Spearman correlation test was used to determine the association between age and preoperative deformity with the severity of degenerative changes. Results. More than half of all feet assessed had severe arthritic changes at the plantar medial aspect of the metatarsal head and 40% of feet at the plantar lateral aspect. Age and intermetatarsal angle were found to be positively correlated with arthritis in this area. Conclusion. Our prospective study has demonstrated the high prevalence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head sesamoid articulation and the positive influence of age and severity of deformity on metatarsal head arthritic changes seen during hallux valgus correction surgery. Furthermore, these arthritic changes were found to have no significant influence on preoperative functional and pain levels. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series

High Prevalence of Degenerative Changes at the Metatarsal Head Sesamoid Articulation Found During Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Despite absence of complications and a restoration of normal hallux alignment, some patients have suboptimal outcomes from hallux valgus correction surgery. One risk factor for persistent pain may be the presence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids, an area not easily assessed with standard preoperative radiographs. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the metatarsal head for degenerative changes during hallux valgus correction surgery and identified preoperative risk factors associated with these changes. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 200 feet in 196 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery intraoperatively for the pattern and severity of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head. Intraoperatively, the first metatarsophalangeal and sesamoid metatarsal joint were assessed for arthritic changes. The articular surface of the metatarsal head was divided into zones 1-6 (Figure 1). Cartilage loss in each zone was graded from 0-2 based on a novel grading system, with a score of 0 representing the absence of arthritis. A score of 1 indicated fissures without exposed bone, and a score of 2 represented degenerative changes to the level of exposed bone. Mann-Whitney U testing was implemented to compare differences in arthritic scores between preoperative deformity groups. Spearman’s correlation test was used to determine the association between age and preoperative deformity with the severity of degenerative changes. Results: One-hundred two out of 200 feet (51%) assessed had severe arthritic changes at the plantar medial aspect of the metatarsal head, and 40% (80/200) at the plantar lateral aspect. The mean preoperative hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were 29.6 ± 8.5 (range, 9.8-55.3) and 14.2 ± 3.3 (range, 6.6-25.9), respectively. Those presenting with an intermetatarsal angle (IMA) >/= 14 degrees had a significantly higher level of arthritis when compared to those presenting with an IMA < 14 degrees (p < 0.001). No difference in arthritis scores was found for HVA. Age was found to have a strong and significant (p < 0.001) correlation with zone 5, zone 6, total plantar zone, and total arthritis scores. Conclusion: The high prevalence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids may be partially responsible for suboptimal outcome following hallux valgus correction surgery. Since these changes were associated with greater age and preoperative deformity, operating earlier in the pathology of hallux valgus may be of benefit.

Loss of Correction After Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus as a Function of Preoperative Deformity

Background: Recurrence is relatively common after surgical correction of hallux valgus. Multiple factors are discussed that could have an influence in the loss of correction. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative radiological factors with an influence on loss of correction after distal chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus. Methods: Five hundred twenty-four patients who underwent the correction of a hallux valgus by means of distal chevron osteotomy at our institution between 2002 and 2012 were included. We assessed weightbearing x-rays at 4 time points: preoperatively, postoperatively, and after 6 weeks and 3 months. We investigated the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), joint congruity, and the position of the sesamoids. Results: At all points of the survey, significant correction of the IMA and HVA was detected. The IMA improved from 12.9 (± 2.8) to 4.5 (± 2.4) degrees and the HVA from 27.5 (± 6.9) to 9.1 (± 5.3) degrees. Loss of correction was found in both HVA and IMA during follow-up with a mean of 4.5 and 1.9 degrees, respectively. Loss of correction showed a linear correlation with preoperative IMA and HVA, and a correlation between preoperative DMAA and sesamoid position. Conclusion: The chevron osteotomy showed significant correction for HVA, IMA, and DMAA. Preoperative deformity, in terms of IMA, HVA, DMAA, and sesamoid position, correlated with the loss of correction and could be assessed preoperatively for HVA and IMA. Loss of correction at 3 months persisted during the follow-up period. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Moderate and Severe Valgus Deformity

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Among patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) utilization has significantly increased in recent years, while ankle arthrodesis utilization has declined. Significant coronal plane deformity is frequently encountered in this patient population, and was previously considered a contraindication to TAA. However, the advent of newer fixed-bearing prostheses, coupled with improved surgical techniques and a better understanding of ligamentous balancing, have allowed surgeons to extend their indications for TAA with respect to deformity correction. Several authors have demonstrated good outcomes from TAA in patients with significant varus deformities, but not specifically in patients with valgus deformities. We aimed to determine the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of patients with moderate to severe valgus deformity who underwent TAA for end-stage ankle arthritis. Methods: Eighty patients with valgus deformities =10 degrees who underwent TAA were retrospectively reviewed. All surgeries were performed by one of three fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons with extensive experience in TAA. One of three prostheses were used: INBONE (Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, TN), Salto-Talaris (Integra, Plainsboro, NJ), or the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR; Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI). We assessed the coronal tibiotalar angle on standardized weightbearing radiographs preoperatively, at one year, and at final follow-up. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Short Form (SF)-36 scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle scale, and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) scores were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine differences in outcome scores, deformity correction, and maintenance of alignment between patients with moderate (=10 degrees, <20 degrees) and severe (>20 degrees) preoperative deformity. Complication, reoperation, and revision rates were collected from chart review. Results: Mean preoperative valgus deformity was 15.5 ± 5.0 degrees, and was corrected to a mean 1.2 ± 2.6 degrees of valgus postoperatively (Figure; P<.001). An associated flatfoot deformity was present in 33% of patients, 65% of whom required concomitant procedures to address associated deformity. The VAS, SF-36, AOFAS, and SMFA scores improved significantly postoperatively (P<.001 for all), with no difference in amount of improvement between the moderate and severe deformity groups. Deformity correction was maintained at a mean 3.5 (range 2.0-5.9) years of follow-up, with no significant change in the mean tibiotalar angle between one year and final follow-up in either the moderate or severe deformity groups (P=.134 and P=.155, respectively). Reoperation and revision rates did not differ between the moderate and severe deformity groups. Conclusion: Correction of coronal alignment was achieved and maintained following TAA in patients with both moderate and severe preoperative valgus malalignment. Patients demonstrated significant improvement in patient-reported outcome scores regardless of amount of preoperative deformity. Additional procedures may be necessary at the time of TAA to balance the ankle and correct associated deformity in the foot.