Analysis of causes for revision in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

The study by Zhao et al identifies the factors leading to the failure of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)in their patients.These factors include substandard suturing of the wound,the presence of osteophytes and intra-articular loose bodies causing impingement,premature loosening of the tibial component,choosing unsuitable patients for the procedure,dislocation of the movable insert,and damage to the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament.The findings suggest that employing the correct surgical techniques and indications is essential for successful outcomes in the UKA.

Botulinum toxin type A for treating chronic low back pain:A double blinded randomized control study

BACKGROUND Low back pain(LBP)is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting.LBP can arise from various causes,with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contributor.The administration of Botulinum toxin type A(BoNT-A)has been found to alleviate back pain by relaxing these stiff muscles.While BoNT-A is approved for use in numerous conditions,a limited number of randomized clinical trials(RCTs)validate its efficacy specifically for treating LBP.AIM To study the safety and the efficacy of BoNT-A in minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients of chronic LBP(CLBP).METHODS In this RCT,adults aged 18-60 years with mechanical LBP persisting for at least six months were enrolled.Participants were allocated to either the Drug group,receiving 200 Ipsen Units(2 mL)of BoNT-A,or the Control group,which received a 2 mL placebo.Over a 2-month follow-up period,both groups were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)for disability at the start and conclusion of the study.A decrease in pain by 50%was deemed clinically significant.RESULTS The study followed 40 patients for two months,with 20 in each group.A clinically significant reduction in pain was observed in 36 participants.There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the groups at the end of two months.Nonetheless,when comparing the mean score changes,only the reduction in ODI scores(15 in the placebo group vs 16.5 in the drug group,clinically insignificant)was statistically significant(P=0.012),whereas the change in mean VAS scores was not significant(P=0.45).CONCLUSION The study concludes that BoNT-A does not offer a short-term advantage over placebo in reducing pain or improving LBP scores in CLBP patients.

Functional outcome of tibial fracture with acute compartment syndrome and correlation to deep posterior compartment pressure

AIM To measure single baseline deep posterior compartment pressure in tibial fracture complicated by acute compartment syndrome(ACS) and to correlate it with functional outcome.METHODS Thirty-two tibial fractures with ACS were evaluated clinically and the deep posterior compartment pressure was measured. Urgent fasciotomy was needed in 30 patients. Definite surgical fixation was performed either primarily or once fasciotomy wound was healthy. The patients were followed up at 3 mo, 6 mo and one year. At one year, the functional outcome [lower extremity functional scale(LEFS)] and complications were assessed.RESULTS Three limbs were amputated. In remaining 29 patients, the average times for clinical and radiological union were 25.2 ± 10.9 wk(10 to 54 wk) and 23.8 ± 9.2 wk(12 to 52 wk) respectively. Nine patients had delayed union and 2 had nonunion who needed bone grafting to augment healing. Most common complaint at follow up was ankle stiffness(76%) that caused difficulty in walking,running and squatting. Of 21 patients who had paralysis at diagnosis, 13(62%) did not recover and additional five patients developed paralysis at follow-up. On LEFS evaluation, there were 14 patients(48.3%) with severe disability, 10 patients(34.5%) with moderate disability and 5 patients(17.2%) with minimal disability. The mean pressures in patients with minimal disability, moderate disability and severe disability were 37.8, 48.4 and 58.79 mmH g respectively(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION ACS in tibial fractures causes severe functional disability in majority of patients. These patients are prone for delayed union and nonunion; however, long term disability is mainly because of severe soft tissue contracture. Intracompartmental pressure(ICP) correlates with functional disability; patients with relatively high ICP are prone for poor functional outcome.

Association of vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis in younger individuals

BACKGROUND The incidence of primary osteoarthritis knee is gradually increasing among young individuals.The increasing prevalence of obesity,sedentary lifestyle,sporting activity,and vitamin D deficiency(VDD)has been hypothesized for this shifting disease trend.This study was designed to look for the association of serum vitamin D among these young arthritic patients.AIM To look for the association of serum vitamin D in younger knee osteoarthritis(KOA)patients.METHODS In a 2-year observational study,146 non-obese KOA patients of 35-60 years were evaluated clinically(Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score,KOOS)and radiologically(Kellegren-Lawrence stage,KL).The serum 25(OH)D level of these patients and 146 normal healthy individuals of same age group were estimated.RESULTS Both the groups were comparable in terms of age and sex.The average serum 25(OH)D level in healthy individuals and KOA patients was 45.83 ng/mL and 34.58 ng/mL,respectively(P<0.001).Inadequate serum 25(OH)D level(<30 ng/mL)was found in 46.57%of KOA patients and 24%of normal healthy participants indicating a significant positive association(odds ratio 2.77,95%CI:1.67-4.54,P<0.001).The 25(OH)D level in KL grade I,II,III and IV was 43.40,30.59,31.56 and 33.93 ng/mL respectively(no difference,P=0.47).Similarly,the KOOS score in sufficient,insufficient and deficient groups were 65.31,60.36 and 65.31,respectively(no difference,P=0.051).CONCLUSION The serum 25(OH)D level is significantly low in younger KOA patients.However,the clinical and radiological severities have no association with serum vitamin D level.

Nuclear medicine imaging in osteonecrosis of hip:Old and current concepts

Osteonecrosis(ON) is caused by inadequate blood supply leading to bone death, which results in the collapse of the architectural bony structure. Femoral head is the most common site involved in ON. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a commonly used imaging modality to detect early ON. When MRI is inconclusive, bone scan is helpful in detecting ON during early phase of the disease. As newer nuclear medicine equipment, like single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography(CT) and positron emission tomography/CT, are emerging in medical science, we review the role of these imaging modalities in ON of femoral head.

Limb length discrepancy after total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Limb length discrepancy(LLD)after total knee arthroplasty(TKA)has been considered as one of the reasons for the unsatisfactory outcome.However,there is no consensus about the extent of LLD that can be considered as clinically relevant.AIM To evaluate the incidence of radiographic LLD and its impact on functional outcome following TKA.METHODS All randomized-controlled trial and observational studies on LLD in TKA,published till 22nd June 2020,were systematically searched and reviewed.The primary outcome was“limb lengthening or LLD after TKA”.The secondary outcomes included“assessment of LLD in varus/valgus deformity”and“impact of LLD on the functional outcome”.RESULTS Of 45 retrieved studies,qualitative and quantitative assessment of data was performed from eight studies and six studies,respectively.Five studies(n=1551)reported the average limb lengthening of 5.98 mm.The LLD after TKA was ranging from 0.4±10 mm to 15.3±2.88 mm.The incidence of postoperative radiographic LLD was reported in 44%to 83.3%of patients.There was no difference in the preoperative and postoperative LLD(MD-1.23;95%CI:-3.72,1.27;P=0.34).Pooled data of two studies(n=219)revealed significant limb lengthening in valgus deformity than varus(MD-2.69;95%CI:-5.11,0.27;P=0.03).The pooled data of three studies(n=611)showed significantly worse functional outcome in patients with LLD of≥10 mm compared to<10 mm(standard MD 0.58;95%CI:0.06,1.10;P=0.03).CONCLUSION Limb lengthening after TKA is common,and it is significantly more in valgus than varus deformity.Significant LLD(≥10 mm)is associated with suboptimal functional outcome.

Effect of osteoarthritic knee flexion deformity correction by total knee arthroplasty on sagittal spinopelvic alignment in Indian population

BACKGROUND Sagittal alignment of the spine,pelvis,and lower extremities is essential for maintaining a stable and efficient posture and ambulation.Imbalance in any element can result in compensatory changes in the other elements.Knee flexion is a compensatory mechanism for spinopelvic sagittal alignment and is markedly affected in severe knee osteoarthritis(OA).The correction of knee flexion deformity(KFD)by total knee arthroplasty(TKA)can lead to complementary changes in the sagittal spinopelvic parameters(SSPs).AIM To determine the SSP changes in patients with knee OA,with or without KFD undergoing TKA.METHODS The study was conducted in 32 patients who underwent TKA.A neutral standing whole-spine lateral radiograph was performed before surgery and 3 mo after surgery in these patients.Subjects were divided into two groups(Group 1 obtained>10°corrections in KFD;group B obtained<10°correction).The pelvic tilt(PT),pelvic incidence(PI),sacral slope(SS),lumbar lordosis(LL),and sagittal vertical axis(SVA)were measured.RESULTS The median of change in PT,PI,SS,LL,and SVA was 0.20 mm,1.00 mm,2.20 mm,−0.40 mm,and 6.8 mm,respectively.The difference in the change in SSPs between the two groups was statistically non-significant.CONCLUSION SSPs,such as PI,PT,SS,LL,and SVA,do not change significantly following TKA in end-stage knee OA despite a significant correction(>10°)in KFD.

Thirty-day mortality of patients with hip fracture during COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic periods:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Timely intervention in hip fracture is essential to decrease the risks of perioperative morbidity and mortality.However,limitations of the resources,risk of disease transmission and redirection of medical attention to a more severe infective health problem during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic period have affected the quality of care even in a surgical emergency.AIM To compare the 30-d mortality rate and complications of hip fracture patients treated during COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic times.METHODS The search of electronic databases on 1st August 2020 revealed 45 studies related to mortality of hip fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic times.After careful screening,eight studies were eligible for quantitative and qualitative analysis of data.RESULTS The pooled data of eight studies(n=1586)revealed no significant difference in 30-d mortality rate between the hip fracture patients treated during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods[9.63%vs 6.33%;odds ratio(OR),0.62;95%CI,0.33,1.17;P=0.14].Even the 30-d mortality rate was not different between COVID-19 non-infected patients who were treated during the pandemic time,and all hip fracture patients treated during the pre-pandemic period(OR,1.03;95%CI,0.61,1.75;P=0.91).A significant difference in mortality rate was observed between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative patients(OR,6.99;95%CI,3.45,14.16;P<0.00001).There was no difference in the duration of hospital stay(OR,-1.52,95%CI,-3.85,0.81;P=0.20),overall complications(OR,1.62;P=0.15)and incidence of pulmonary complications(OR,1.46;P=0.38)in these two-time frames.Nevertheless,the preoperative morbidity was more severe,and there was less use of general anesthesia during the pandemic time.CONCLUSION There was no difference in 30-d mortality rate between hip fracture patients treated during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods.However,the mortality risk was higher in COVID-19 positive patients compared to COVID-19 negative patients.There was no difference in time to surgery,complications and hospitalization time between these two time periods.

Perioperative mortality and morbidity of hip fractures among COVID-19 infected and non-infected patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose:Hip fractures among elderly patients are surgical emergencies.During COVID-19 pandemic time,many such patients could not be operated at early time because of the limitation of the medical resources,the risk of infection and redirection of medical attention to a severe infective health problem.Methods:A search of electronic databases(PubMed,Medline,CINAHL,EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials)with the keywords"COVID","COVID-19","SARS-COV-2","Corona","pandemic","hip fracture","trochanteric fracture"and"neck femur fracture"revealed 64 studies evaluating treatment of hip fracture in elderly patients during COVID-19 pandemic time.The 30-day mortality rate,inpatient mortality rate,critical care/special care need,readmission rate and complications rate in both groups were evaluated.Data were analyzed using Review Manager(RevMan)V.5.3.Results:After screening,7 studies were identified that described the mortality and morbidity in hip fractures in both COVID-19 infected(COVID-19+)and non-infected(COVID-19-)patients.There were significantly increased risks of 30-day mortality(32.23%COVID-19+deathvs.8.85%COVID-19-death)and inpatient mortality(29.33%vs.2.62%)among COVID-19+patients with odds ratio(OR)of 4.84(95%CI:3.13-7.47,p<0.001)and 15.12(95%CI:6.12-37.37,p<0.001),respectively.The COVID-19+patients needed more critical care admission(OR=5.08,95%CI:1.49-17.30,p<0.009)and they remain admitted for a longer time in hospital(mean difference=3.6,95% CI:1.74-5.45,p<0.001);but there was no difference in readmission rate between these 2 groups.The risks of overall complications(OR=17.22),development of pneumonia(OR=22.25),and acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute respiratory failure(OR=32.96)were significantly high among COVID-19+patients compared to COVID-19-patients.Conclusions:There are increased risks of the 30-day mortality,inpatient mortality and critical care admission among hip fracture patients who are COVID-19+.The chances of developing pneumonia and acute respiratory failure are more in COVID-19+patients than in COVID-19-patients.