Vigorous Endosteal Reaming across Fracture Site to Aid Union in Atypical Femur Fractures

Background: Bisphosphonate abuse is associated with atypical femur fractures, which despite different fixation methods have increased non-union, delayed union, and re-operation rates. Therefore, there is a need for a surgical technique that may enhance union in such cases. Herein we are introducing a novel technique of sequential multiple vigorous reaming across the fracture site to introduce reaming debris/endosteal bone graft around the fracture site. Materials and Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of five prospectively treated patients with atypical diaphyseal femur fracture who presented to us from January 2015 to August 2019. All the patients were followed up at regular intervals and assessed both clinically and radiologically. Results: All 5 cases operated with our technique showed union at a mean follow-up of 16 weeks (12 - 20 weeks). There were no complications reported in our study at the last mean follow-up of 25 months (12 - 51 months). Conclusion: This technique of multiple vigorous reaming at and around the fracture site provides a new paradigm in the management of AFF. The autograft around the outer cortex promotes the formation of bridging callus and results in the early union.

Correlation of Preoperative D-Dimer Levels and Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: The relationship of preoperative D-dimer and Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of D-dimer in the detection of early VTE after TKA and THA. Materials and Methods: A total of 312 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study from 2016 to 2020 at a tertiary care centre, Mumbai who were operated for THA and TKA. The measurement of plasma D-dimer level was done preoperatively and clinically symptomatic patients were evaluated and confirmed for VTE by Colour Doppler Sonography. The plasma D-dimer levels were correlated statistically with the sonographic VTE. Results: 11 patients developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and 1 patient developed Pulmonary embolism (PE). Preoperative plasma D-dimer levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in patients who developed DVT postoperatively. Colour Doppler Sonography showed that 2 thrombi were seen in proximal veins (pelvic and femoral veins), and 2 thrombi were seen in distal veins (posterior tibial, peroneal, gastrocnemian veins) of the calf in THA patients, and all 8 thrombi were seen in the distal veins (posterior tibial, peroneal, gastrocnemian veins) of the calf in TKA patients. Conclusion: We infer that if the preoperative D-dimer levels were more than 0.5 mg/l, the chances of developing VTE postoperatively are more, which can be diagnosed clinically and further by other investigations. In this study, we have shown that doing preoperative D-dimer level can almost PREDICT the development of VTE and thus prevent complications.

Restoring Natural Hip Movements with Large Head (Ceramic on Ceramic) Total Hip Replacement: Experience of Our 150 Patients over 6 Years

Background: Asian cultures require floor-seated positions demanding a high range of motion (ROM). Ceramic-On-Ceramic (COC) interface allowed the use of larger head with reduced wear debris generation and adverse tissue reactions. This study was conducted to analyze 6-year clinical-radiological outcome with large head fourth generation DeltaMotion&reg;ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) hip articulation, with special emphasis on postoperative ROM, ability to sit cross-legged, stability, hip noise and revision surgery. Material and Methods: 150 consecutive hips were operated for primary cementless Total Hip Replacement (THR) using DeltaMotion&reg;at a tertiary care center in Mumbai, India, between January 2010 and January 2015. Clinico-radiological outcome was assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiographs at 6 weeks, 6 months, and annually thereafter. Results: 108 (74.5%) patients were males and 37 (25.5%) were females with an average age of 50.87 years. Mean follow-up was 54 months (range: 37 - 86 months). The mean ROM was 120° in flexion, 10° in extension, 30° in adduction, 45° in abduction, 25° in internal rotation and 25° in external rotation. The mean HHS showed a statistically significant improvement of 64.5% (from 54.66 ± 6.42 pre-operatively to 89.95 ± 4.32 post operatively) (p-value: 0.001). 92% of patients were able to sit in squatting position and 92% were able to sit cross-legged on the floor at last follow-up. 0.7% joints (1 hip) had squeaking. Considering no revision surgery as the end point, 6-year prosthesis survivorship was 100%. Complications (superficial infection) occurred in three hips (2%). All patients reported to be satisfied with their outcome after surgery. Conclusion: We infer that DeltaMotion large head COC bearing allows scope for using larger head size in relatively smaller Indian hips due to factory fitted ceramic lining. At 6-year follow-up, high activity level was observed with excellent clinical-radiological outcomes and component longevity in relatively young Indian population.

Repurposing Denosumab to Stabilize Acetabular Protrusio: Obviating Surgery

Intrapelvic prosthetic migration prosthesis following hip arthroplasty can occur due to aseptic loosening, infection, injury and malposition of the cup with chronic instability. Revision surgery is the treatment option, but is often complex, is high risk owing to the co-morbidities of the patient, has higher complications and sometimes even patients refuse for the surgery. Osteoclast mediated bone resorption at the prosthetic bone interface is the main pathophysiology process involved in aseptic loosening associated intrapelvic migration. RANK/RANKL (Receptor Activated Nuclear factor κB Ligand) is the primary pathway responsible for the periprosthetic osteolysis, therefore, we have offered Denosumab which binds to RANKL and inhibits osteoclasts mediated bone resorption, to our two patients with intrapelvic prosthetic migration who have refused for the revision surgery. Here, we report the outcome of these two cases of Intrapelvic prosthetic migration following a hip arthroplasty that was treated using subcutaneous injection of 120 mg denosumab monthly for 3 months. Both the cases had good functional outcomes and radiographs showed good consolidation of bone around the prosthesis. These cases suggest denosumab can be repurposed to arrest further intrapelvic prosthetic migration due to its anti-resorptive and bone forming action and can avoid the need for a complex revision surgery.