Tips and Tricks in surgical reduction of the posterior column of AO/OTA C3 pilon fractures

Background Accurate posterior column reduction remains a challenging and controversial topic in the management of complex pilon fractures (AO/OTA C3). We aim to report the outcomes of surgical treatment for 22 AO/OTA C3 pilon fracture cases between January 2015 and May 2017 and highlight some traps and tips. Methods Three patients underwent two-stage early plating on the posterior column through a posterolateral approach. The remaining 19 patients were treated with two-stage delayed plating on the posterior column: 11 patients were treated with a posterolateral approach, five patients with a modified posteromedial approach, and three patients with a single anterior approach. The reduction of the posterior column was evaluated according to the Burwell-Charnley’s radiographic criteria, and functional outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Results Posterior column malreduction occurred in five cases, including in one case that was re-adjusted immediately and in another case that was re-adjusted during a two-staged delayed operation. According to Burwell-Charnley’s criteria, the satisfactory rate of fracture reduction was 81.8%. After 1 year, the mean AOFAS score was 81.9 (81.9 ± 9.9); the outcome was excellent in three (20.0%), good in nine (60.0%), and fair in three (20.0%). Excellent or good outcomes were noted in 12 patients (80.0%). Conclusions The combined anterior and posterior approach is suggested in the second stage of plating so that the posterior column fragments can be re-adjusted intraoperatively, if necessary. Following these procedures, satisfactory reduction and recovery of good ankle function can be anticipated.

Comparison of the Early Results of Lateral Direct Anterior Approach (L-DAA) and Traditional Posterolateral Approach (PLA) in Hip Arthroplasty

Objective. To evaluate the early results of lateral direct anterior approach (L-DAA) and traditional posterolateral approach (PLA) in hip arthroplasty. Methods. A total of 24 patients who underwent hip replacement from 2018 to 2021 were divided into PLA group ( N = 12 ) and L-DAA group ( N = 12 ) according to the method of random table number. Outcomes were evaluated between the two groups. Results. The length of incision was shorter; the amount of bleeding was less in the L-DAA group than that in the PLA group. The visual analogue scale (Vas) pain scores for the L-DAA group were significantly lower than that for the PLA group at 24 h, 72 h, and 1 month after operation, and Harris hip scores in the L-DAA group were significantly high in the PLA group at 1 month after operation. In addition, there are no statistically significant differences in acetabular anteversion, abduction, and angle between the two groups. Conclusion. L-DAA was superior to PLA for early recovery after hip arthroplasty.

Access to the talar dome through the medial posterolateral approach: an anatomical study.

Background: The osteochondral grafting has become a popular procedure for treating challenging talar dome lesions. However, the vast majority are treated through medial malleolus osteotomy. The aim of this study was to determine the posteromedial area of the talus that can be reached without malleolar osteotomy through the posteromedial approach. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Evidence Level 4 Methods: Fifteen human cadaveric ankles were dissected in a standard fashion to expose the posteromedial talar dome. Seven approaches were used on the cadaver's left limb (46.7%). We did not observe any significant difference between the evaluated sides (chi-square test, p = 0.715). Results: On average, 2,09 cm2 (range, 1,72-2,69) of the posteromedial talus dome or 15,27 % (range 12-20) of total talus dome can be accessed without osteotomy. Conclusion: If the osteochondral lesion is within the area accessible through PM approach (mean 2 cm2), as seen on magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible that it can be treated without a medial malleolus osteotomy. Keywords: talus; osteochondral lesions; osteotomy; arthrotomy; surgery

Mid-term results of a new femoral prosthesis using Ti-Nb-Sn alloy with low Young’s modulus

Background This study was performed to investigate the mid-term results of Ti-Nb-Sn (TNS) alloy stem with a low Young’s modulus. Methods This study was a multicenter prospective cohort study. A total of 40 primary total hip arthroplasties performed between April 2016 and September 2017 was enrolled in this study. With the unique functional gradient properties by heating treatment, the strength of the proximal portion was enhanced, while the distal portion maintained a low Young’s modulus. The surgeries were performed through the posterolateral approach using the TNS alloy stems. Radiographs were taken from immediately after surgeries until 3 years, and stress shielding and subsidence of the stems were evaluated. The incidences of the stem breakage were also assessed. Clinical assessments were performed using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ) scores. Results Among the 40 enrolled patients, 36 patients were female and 4 were male. At 3 years after surgery, there were no radiologic signs of loosening, subsidence, or breakage of the stem. Stress shielding was observed in 26 hips (65%). Of 26 hips, 16 hips (40%) were grade 1 and 10 hips (25%) were grade 2. There was no advanced stress shielding. The JOA and JHEQ scores significantly improved compared with the preoperative scores. Conclusion The current study using a new TNS alloy femoral stem showed good clinical outcomes at 3-year follow-up. Radiologically, there was no loosening or subsidence of the stem. The mild stress shielding was observed in 65% of patients. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN21241251. The date of registration was October 26, 2021. Retrospectively registered.

Patient-reported results of simultaneous direct anterior approach and posterolateral approach total hip arthroplasties performed in the same patients

Background Several studies have compared clinical results of the direct anterior approach (DAA) and the posterolateral approach (PLA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, the effect of the surgical approach on outcome of THA remains controversial. Most of these studies used two distinct groups of patients, and THAs were performed by different surgeons, using different designs of prosthesis. These confounding factors may limit the strength of the conclusions. The purpose of this prospective, simultaneous bilateral randomized study was to investigate whether patients would perceive the difference between the direct anterior approach (DAA) and the posterolateral approach (PLA) after THA. Materials and methods Among 20 patients scheduled to undergo same-day bilateral THA between October 2017 and August 2019, one hip was randomly assigned to DAA and the other to PLA. Patient-reported outcome measures [Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), patients’ hip pain on mobilization] and physician-assessed measures [Harris Hip Score (HHS), operative time, intraoperative blood loss, cup abduction, cup anteversion, stem orientation, and incidence of complications (intraoperative fracture, nerve damage, incisional problem, or postoperative dislocation)] were compared. Results All patients were followed up for 12 months. Hip pain was significantly less with DAA-THA compared with PLA-THA at postoperative 1, 3, and 7 days (p < 0.05). There was no clinical difference between DAA-THA and PLA-THA in terms of the VAS, HOOS, or HSS at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). DAA-THA had a longer operative time and shorter length of incision compared with PLA-THA. There was no statistical difference between DAA-THA and PLA-THA in terms of intraoperative blood loss, cup abduction, cup anteversion, stem orientation, and perioperative complications (p > 0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrates that DAA-THA and PLA-THA could provide comparable HHS and HOOS at all follow-ups. Compared with PLA-THA, DAA-THA is associated with less hip pain within postoperative 7 days and shorter incision length, but longer operative time. Level of evidence Level I, therapeutic study. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, ChiCTR1800019816. Registered 30 November 2018—retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=30863

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PIRIFORMIS MUSCLE SPARING POSTEROLATERAL APPROACH IN BIPOLAR HEMIARTHROPLASTY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

INTRODUCTION: Hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture is a common surgical procedure and is the treatment of choice for displaced intracapsular neck of femur fracture. Numerous approaches are used to access the hip joint. The standard posterior approach is used by many surgeons to preserve the abductor complex but is associated with higher dislocation rate. In this study we assess functional outcomes of piriformis sparing posterolateral approach for hemiarthroplasty of hip. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively reviewed 96 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty of hip performed by chief surgeon between May 2018 to September 2020. All the database was retrieved from institutional database of tertiary care hospital. Functional outcome was measured by modied HARRIS HIP SCORE. RESULTS: Till minimum 1 year follow up we noticed that there was no single case of hip dislocation. Joint proprioception was preserved. In the nal follow up average Harris hip score was 92.2. No infection, nerve injury, implant migration occurred in our study. DISCUSSION: The main aim of the arthroplasty procedure is to decrease pain, to achieve mobility and restore anatomy. The piriformis sparing approach not only preserves abductor complex but also piriformis muscle. The muscle works like cradle, at the posterosuperior part of the joint, an area with a high risk of dislocation. The only disadvantage was noted in this approach was increased exposure difculty in obese patients CONCLUSION: From this study we conclude that Piriformis sparing posterolateral approach is safe, demands some technical aspects and should be used by surgeons using posterolateral approach.

Radiographic Results on Acetabular Cup Placement with the SuperPath Technique: A Retrospective Study of 756 Cases

BackgroundThe Supercapsular percutaneously assisted total hip (SuperPath) technique is a relatively new minimally invasive approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Good clinical outcomes related to its use are reported in the literature. Nonetheless, there are still uncertainties about its validity in terms of radiographic outcomes.Purposes of the study are to evaluate the effectiveness of the SuperPath in acetabular cup positioning through radiographic evaluation of acetabular inclination angle (IA) and acetabular anteversion (AA) angle within the safe zone described by Lewinnek; to investigate cases of hip dislocation; to evaluate whether our results differ from those reported in recent literature; to evaluate whether there was a statistically significant radiographic difference in acetabular cup placement between two consecutive years.MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2019, all SuperPath cases eligible for the study were included. They were operated by three Orthopaedic surgeons with long-standing experience in THA via traditional posterolateral approach and who have performed SuperPath training fellowship. The results were analyzed by statistical analysis.ResultsA retrospective analysis of 756 THAs was performed. Means ± standard deviation (SD) of the radiographic IA and AA were calculated for each year. The average percentage of IA within the Lewinnek's safe zone was from 80% to 85%, while the average percentage of AA was from 76% to 79%. Both IA and AA showed no statistically significant difference between two consecutive years. So, there was no statistically significant improvement regarding the radiographic values between two consecutive years for both IA and AA. There were only two cases of hip dislocations. The radiographic values were similar to recent data in the literature from authors using SuperPath and comparing their results with classical surgical approaches.ConclusionIt is possible to achieve good radiographic values of acetabular cup orientation through the SuperPath within the Lewinnek's safe zone. These results are similar to those reported in the literature by authors using SuperPath. Low rate (0,3 %) of hip dislocations were reported. Therefore, the SuperPath technique represents a good alternative for THA. Nevertheless, there is not a statistically significant improvement in these radiographic parameters over a four-year time.Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective study.