Complication rates after direct anterior vs posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty in elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND Dislocation rates after hemiarthroplasty reportedly vary from 1%to 17%.This serious complication is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates.Approaches to this surgery are still debated,with no consensus regarding the superiority of any single approach.AIM To compare early postoperative complications after implementing the direct anterior and posterior approaches(PL)for hip hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures.METHODS This is a comparative,retrospective,single-center cohort study conducted at a university hospital.Between March 2008 and December 2018,273 patients(a total of 280 hips)underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasties(n=280)for displaced femoral neck fractures using either the PL(n=171)or the minimally invasive direct anterior approach(DAA)(n=109).The choice of approach was related to the surgeons’practices;the implant types were similar and unrelated to the approach.Dislocation rates and other complications were reviewed after a minimum followup of 6 mo.RESULTS Both treatment groups had similarly aged patients(mean age:82 years),sex ratios,patient body mass indexes,and patient comorbidities.Surgical data(surgery delay time,operative time,and blood loss volume)did not differ significantly between the groups.The 30 d mortality rate was higher in the PL group(9.9%)than in the DAA group(3.7%),but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.052).Among the one-month survivors,a significantly higher rate of dislocation was observed in the PL group(14/154;9.1%)than in the DAA group(0/105;0%)(P=0.002).Of the 14 patients with dislocation,8 underwent revision surgery for recurrent instability(posterior group),and one of them had 2 additional procedures due to a deep infection.The rate of other complications(e.g.,perioperative and early postoperative periprosthetic fractures and infection-related complications)did not differ significantly between the groups.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the DAA to bipolar hemiarthroplasty for patients with femoral neck fractures is associated with a lower dislocation rate(<1%)than the PL.

Direct anterior compared to posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty following femoral neck fractures

The differences in complication rates between the direct anterior and posterior approaches for hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures are not yet fully understood.Dislocation,a severe complication associated with increased mortality and often requiring additional surgery,may occur less frequently with the direct anterior approach compared to the posterior approach.Careful consideration of patient demographics is essential when planning the surgical approach.Future research in this area should focus on robust randomized controlled trials involving elderly patients recovering from femoral neck fractures.

Debate on direct-anterior vs posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty:The authors’insights

We read and discussed the study entitled“Complication rates after direct anterior vs posterior approach for Hip Hemiarthroplasty in elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures”with great interest.The authors have done justice to the topic of comparison of anterior and posterior surgical approaches for bipolar hemiarthroplasty which has been an everlasting debate in the existing literature.However,there are certain aspects of this study that need clarification from the authors.

Corrections in alpha angle following two different operative approaches for CAM-type femoral acetabular impingement-Ganz surgical hip dislocation vs anterior mini-open

BACKGROUND Femoroacetabular impingement(FAI)is a predisposing factor for secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint.The two extensively described impingement mechanisms of FAI are CAM and Pincer-type.Initially managed conservatively,operative intervention should be offered to the persistently symptomatic patient.The measurement of the alpha angle is considered a standard method of assessing the severity of pathology in Cam-type FAI on pre-operative plain radiographs.The radiological correction of the alpha angle has not been previously compared between different surgical approaches.We hypothesize that there is no difference in alpha angle correction between Ganz surgical hip dislocation and the anterior mini-open approach.AIM To compare the magnitude of alpha angle correction achieved by using the Ganz surgical hip dislocation and the anterior mini-open approach.METHODS This is a retrospective study assessing seventy-nine patients identified in a 5-year period.These patients had preoperative radiographic evidence of FAI and underwent surgery by a single surgeon at our institution,a tertiary care center.Patients with missing radiographic documentation,radiographs with insufficient quality which then precluded accurate measurement of the angleα,a diagnosed congenital condition,isolated type II pathology(Pincer),and history of prior surgery were excluded from the study.Either the Ganz surgical hip dislocation or the anterior mini open approach was used.Postoperative radiographic evaluation of the alpha angle between the two surgical methods was done and corrected for age and gender using two-sample t-tests and Chi-square analyses.RESULTS A total of 79 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Forty-seven males(mean age of 35.3,range 16-53)and 32 females(mean age 36.7,range 16-60)were enrolled.Forty-seven patients underwent the anterior mini-open approach,and 32 underwent the Ganz surgical hip dislocation.There were no significant differences in age between the two surgical groups or in pre-and post-operative alpha angles based on patient gender.The mean pre-operative alpha angle for the Ganz surgical hip dislocation group was 88.0 degrees(SD 12.3)and 99.4 degrees(SD 7.2)for the anterior mini-open group.Mean post-operative angles were 49.9 degrees(SD 4.3)for the Ganz surgical hip dislocation and 43.8(SD 4.3)degrees for the anterior mini-open group.There was a statistically significant difference in patient’s pre-operative and post-operative angles(P=0.000)with both surgical approaches.CONCLUSION Statistically significant decreases in alpha angle were noted for both surgical techniques,with larger decreases seen in the anterior mini-open group.

Anterior muscle sparing approach for total hip arthroplasty

The purpose of this review is to examine the validity of positive claims regarding the direct anterior approach(DAA) with a fracture table for total hip arthroplasty. Recent literature regarding the DAA was searched and specific claims investigated including improved early outcomes, speed of recovery, component placement, dislocation rates, and complication rates. Recent literature is positive regarding the effects of total hip arthroplasty with the anterior approach. While the data is not definitive at present, patients receiving the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty tend to recover more quickly and have improved early outcomes. Component placement with the anterior approach is more often in the "safe zone" than with other approaches. Dislocation rates tend to be less than 1% with the anterior approach. Complication rates vary widely in the published literature. A possible explanation is that the varianceis due to surgeon and institutional experience with the anterior approach procedure. Concerns remain regarding the "learning curve" for both surgeons and institutions. In conclusion, it is not a matter of should this approach be used, but how should it be implemented.

Surgical outcomes of mini-open Wiltse approach and conventional open approach in patients with single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury

This study aimed to introduce a novel mini-open pedicle screw fixation technique via Wiltse approach, and com- pared it with the traditional posterior open method. A total of 72 cases of single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury underwent pedicle screw fixation via two different approaches. Among them, 37 patients were treated using posterior open surgery, and 35 patients received mini-open operation via Wiltse approach. Crew placement accuracy rate, operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization time, radiation exposure time, postoperative improvement in R value, Cobb＇s angle and visual analog scale （VAS） scores of the two methods were compared. There were no significant differences in the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, radiation exposure and postoperative R value and Cobb＇s angle improvement between the two groups. However, the mini-open method had obvious advantages over the conventional open method in operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative improvement in VAS. The mini-open pedicle screw technique could be applied in treatment of single-segment thoracolumbar fracture without neurologic injury and had advantages of less tissue trauma, short operative and rehabilitative time on the premise of guaranteed accuracy rate and no increased radiation exposure.

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture using the direct anterior approach

AIM: To evaluate whether walking ability recovers early after bipolar hemiarthroplasty(BHA) using a direct anterior approach.METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, 81 patients with femoral neck fracture underwent BHA using the direct anterior approach(DAA) or the posterior approach(PA). The mean observation period was 36 mo. The age, sex, body mass index(BMI), time from admission to surgery, length of hospitalization, outcome after discharge, walking ability, duration of surgery, blood loss and complications were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the age, sex, BMI, time from admission to surgery, length of hospitalization, outcome after discharge, duration of surgery and blood loss between the two groups. Two weeks after the operation, assistance was not necessary for walking in the hospital in 65.0% of the patients in the DAA group and in 33.3% in the PA group(P < 0.05). As for complications, fracture of the femoral greater trochanter developed in 1 patient in the DAA group and calcar crack and dislocation in 1 patient each in the PA group.CONCLUSION: DAA is an approach more useful for BHA for femoral neck fracture in elderly patients than total hip arthroplasty in terms of the early acquisition of walking ability.

Anterior vs conventional approach hepatectomy for large liver cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of anterior-and conventional-approach hepatectomy for patients with large liver tumors. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials comparing anterior-approach hepatectomy (AAH) and conventional-approach hepatectomy (CAH). Two observers independently extracted the data using a spreadsheet and assessed the studies for inclusion. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and addressed the clinical questions of this analysis were further assessed using either fixed effects or random effects models. RESULTS: Two RCTs and six controlled clinical trials involving 807 patients met the predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 363 patients underwent AAH and 444 underwent CAH. Meta-analysis indicated that the AAH group had fewer requirements for transfusion (OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.21-0.63), less recurrence (OR = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.37-0.87), and lower mortality (OR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.13-0.63). There were no significant differences between AAH and CAH with regard to perioperative complications (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.58-1.51), intraoperative tumor rupture (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.40-2.40), or length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference = -0.17, 95%CI: -2.36-2.02). CONCLUSION: AAH has advantages of decreased transfusion, mortality and recurrence compared to CAH. It is a safe and effective method for large cancers requiring right hepatectomy. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh following hip replacement by anterior approach in a patient using oral anticoagulants

Acute compartment syndrome(ACS) of the thigh following primary total hip arthroplasty(THA) is a highly uncommon complication and has not yet been reported before with regards to the anterior approach through the anterior supine interval. We present a case of a 69-year-old male patient with a history of stroke, who developed ACS of the thigh after elective THA while using therapeutic low molecular weight heparin as bridging for regular oral anticoagulation. ACS pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, treatment and relevant literature are discussed. The patient's ACS was recognized in time and treated by operative decompression with fasciotomy of the anterior compartment. Follow-up did not show any neurological deficit or soft-tissue damage.

Anterior vs conventional approach right hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To compare the clinical outcomes of right hepatectomy for large hepatocellular carcinoma via the anterior and conventional approach.METHODS We comprehensively performed an electronic search of Pub Med, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) or controlled clinical trials(CCTs) published between January 2000 and May 2017 concerning the anterior approach(AA) and the conventional approach(CA) to right hepatectomy. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were included, and their outcome analyses were further assessed using a fixed or random effects model.RESULTS This analysis included 2297 patients enrolled in 16 studies(3 RCTs and 13 CTTs). Intraoperative blood loss [weighted mean difference =-255.21; 95% confidence interval(95%CI):-371.3 to-139.12; P < 0.0001], intraoperative blood transfusion [odds ratio(OR) = 0.42; 95%CI: 0.29-0.61; P < 0.0001], mortality(OR = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.38-0.92; P = 0.02), morbidity(OR = 0.77; 95%CI: 0.62-0.95; P = 0.01), and recurrencerate(OR = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.47-0.83; P = 0.001) were significantly reduced in the AA group. Patients in the AA group had better overall survival(hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.50-1.00; P = 0.05) and disease-free survival(HR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.58-0.79; P < 0.0001) than those in the CA group.CONCLUSION The AA is safe and effective for right hepatectomy for large hepatocellular carcinoma and could accelerate postoperative recovery and achieve better survival outcomes than the CA.

Total Spondylectomy of C2 and Circumferential Reconstruction via Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach to Cervical Spine for Axis Tumor Surgery

As a result of the complex anatomy in upper cervical spine, the operative treatment of axis neoplasms is always complicated. Although the procedure for the second cervical vertebra （C2） surgery had been described previously in diverse approaches and reconstruction forms, each has its own limita- tions and restrictions that usually result in less satisfactory conclusions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operation efficacy for axis tumors by using a combined anterior （retropharyngeal） cervical and posterior approach in achieving total resection of C2 and circumferential reconstruction. Eight con- secutive C2 tumor patients with mean age of 47.6 years in our institute sequentially underwent vertebra resection and fixation through aforementioned approach from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2010. No surgical mor- tality or severe morbidity occurred in our group. In terms of complications, 2 cases developed transient difficulty in swallowing liquids （one of them experienced dysphonia） and 1 developed cerebrospinal fluid leakage （CSFL） that was resolved later. During a mean follow-up period of 31.9 months, the visual analogue scale （VAS） and Japanese orthopedic association （JOA） score revealed that the pain level and neurological function in all patients were improved postoperatively, and there was no evidence of fixa- tion failure and local recurrence. It is concluded that the anterior cervical retropharyngeal approach permits a visible exposure to facilitate the C2 vertebra resection and perform an effective anterior re- construction at the same time. The custom-made mesh cage applied in our cases can be acted as a firm and convenient implant in circumferential fixation.

Application of a modified surgical position in anterior approach for total cervical artificial disc replacement

BACKGROUND Total cervical artificial disc replacement(TDR)has been considered a safe and effective alternative surgical treatment for cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease that have failed to improve with conservative methods.Positioning the surgical patient is a critical part of the procedure.Appropriate patient positioning is crucial not only for the safety of the patient but also for optimizing surgical exposure,ensuring adequate and safe anesthesia,and allowing the surgeon to operate comfortably during lengthy procedures.The surgical posture is the traditional position used in anterior cervical approach;in general,patients are in a supine position with a pad under their shoulders and a ring-shaped pillow under their head.AIM To investigate the clinical outcomes of the use of a modified surgical position versus the traditional surgical position in anterior approach for TDR.METHODS In the modified position group,the patients had a soft pillow under their neck,and their jaw and both shoulders were fixed with wide tape.The analyzed data included intraoperative blood loss,position setting time,total operation time,and perioperative blood pressure and heart rate.RESULTS Blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly different before and after body positioning in both groups(P>0.05).Compared with the traditional position group,the modified position group showed a statistically significantly longer position setting time(P<0.05).However,the total operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly reduced in the modified position group compared with the traditional position group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The clinical outcomes indicated that total operation time and intraoperative blood loss were relatively lower in the modified position group than in the traditional position group,thus reducing the risks of surgery while increasing the position setting time.The modified surgical position is a safe and effective method to be used in anterior approach for TDR surgery.

Dissection and ligation of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is not necessary when using the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery(LCFA) stretch across the surgical field during a direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. It is an anatomical marker in direct anterior approach. As an important vessel around the hip joint,this vessel was ligated in most situations. Although ligation of the vascular pedicle of the LCFA is a common, traditional procedure used to decrease bleeding, the ligation of the pedicle of the vessel is tedious and time-consuming.AIM To explore whether this ligation is truly necessary in a direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty.METHODS This single-center, single-surgeon, prospective study was performed to compare patients' bleeding undergoing ligation of the branches of the LCFA pedicle(group A) vs those treated with electrocautery from the branches of the LCFA(group B). In both groups, the pedicles were identified in the intermuscular plane between the tensor fasciae lata and the rectus femoris muscles. In group A, the pedicles were ligated with a silk ligature. In group B, the branches coming off the LCFA were controlled with electrocautery. We compared preoperative vs postoperative changes in blood hemoglobin levels, intraoperative blood loss,operative time, rates of transfusion, re-bleeding, and hematoma between the two groups.RESULTS The reduction of hemoglobin in group A was 20.9 ± 7.0, and in group B it was 21.2 ± 4.9. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P > 0.05). The actual calculated blood loss in group A was 784 ± 125 mL,and in group B it was 722 ± 153 mL. There was a trend in group A having more blood loss(P = 0.078). The estimated blood loss in group A was 344 ± 88 mL, and in group B it was 346 ± 73 mL. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P = 0.883). In addition, there were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative transfusion(10% vs 6.7%, P > 0.05),postoperative hematomas(6.7% vs 13.3%, P > 0.05), or re-bleeding(13.3% vs 20%,P > 0.05) between the two groups.CONCLUSION Ligation of the pedicle of the LCFA has no advantage in preventing or decreasing bleeding during or after a total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior approach. Ligation of the pedicle of the vessel is a cumbersome, unnecessary procedure and can be replaced by electrocautery control of the branches off this artery that course through the surgical field.

Direct anterior approach hip arthroplasty:How to reduce complications-A 10-years single center experience and literature review

BACKGROUND The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty(DAA-THA)is increasing in popularity due to some advantages such as less surgical trauma,minimal dissection of soft tissues,shorter rehabilitation times,faster return to daily activities,lower incidence of dislocation.On the other hand,the literature reports a high rate of intraoperative complications,with many different rates and complication types in the published papers.AIM To analyze our complications comparing results with the literature;to report measures that we have taken to reduce complications rate.METHODS All DAA-THA patients with one year minimum follow up who were operated at a single high-volume centre,between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study.All surgeries were performed using cementless short anatomical or straight stems and press fit cups.Patients’followup was performed,at 6 wk,3 mo,then annually post-surgery with clinical and radiological evaluation.Primary outcomes were stem revision for aseptic loosening and all-cause stem revision.Second outcome was intra-operative and post-operative complications identification.RESULTS A total of 394 patients underwent DDA-THA from January 2010 and December 2019,for a total of 412 hips;twelve patients lost to follow-up and one patient who died from causes not related to surgery were excluded from the study.The average age at the time of surgery was 61 years(range from 28 to 78 years).Mean follow-up time was 64.8 mo(range 12-120 mo).Seven stems were revised.One cortical perforation,one trochanteric and lateral cortical wall intraoperative fracture,one diaphyseal fracture,three clinically symptomatic early subsidence and one late aseptic loosening.We also observed 3 periprosthetic fractures B1 according to the Vancouver Classification.Other minor complications not requiring stem revision were 5 un-displaced fractures of the calcar region treated with preventive cerclage,one early infection,one case of late posterior dislocation,18 case of asymptomatic stem subsidence,6 cases of lateral cutaneous femoral nerve dysesthesia.CONCLUSION DAA is associated to good outcomes and lower incidence of dislocation.Complication rate can be reduced by mindful patient selection,thorough preoperative planning,sufficient learning curve and use of intraoperative imaging.

Taper-wedge stem suitable for anterior approach total hip arthroplasty:Adequate biomechanical reconstruction parameters and excellent clinical outcome at mid-term follow-up

BACKGROUND The direct anterior approach(DAA) for total hip arthroplasty(THA) is a less invasive and muscle-sparing approach that seems to improve early function and patient satisfaction. Several studies, however, have reported high complication and revision rates due to the technical difficulties related to the femoral preparation.AIM To evaluate the usefulness and safety of a new stem equipped with a morphometric design and a size-specific medial curvature in DAA for THA.METHODS This retrospective study was based on 130 patients that underwent mini-invasive DAA procedures for THA using the Accolade Ⅱ stem. A total of 144 procedures were included in the assessment, which was based on postoperative complications, survival rates, functional parameters, and patient related outcomes.RESULTS Overall complications were recorded in 6 procedures(4.2%). There were no complications related to the stem implantation and no intraoperative fractures. Only one patient was revised for deep infection. On radiographs, biomechanical hip reconstruction was satisfactory and no stem showed any subsidence greater than 2 mm. Full osseointegration based on Engh scores was seen in all of the implanted stems. Median Harris hip score at final follow-up was 99 points(range 44-100 points), which resulted excellent in 91.3% of patients. The median values of the osteaorthritis outcome score ranged from 87.5 to 95.CONCLUSION The mid-term positive outcomes and low complication rate in our consecutive series of patients support the safety and suitability of this new stem design in DAA for THA.

Anterior transhepatic approach for total caudate lobectomy including spigelian lobe,paracaval portion and caudate process:A Brazilian experience

To the Editor:Nowadays,because of the infiltration of cholangiocarcinoma to the parenchyma and/or bile ducts of the caudate lobe,the inclusion of caudate lobe combined with a major hepatectomy remains the gold standard approach for a resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Since the last years of the 20th century,some authors have begun to report isolated caudate lobe resection for hepatocellular

Anatomical and Clinical Implication of Corona Mortis in the Anterior Approaches of Pelvis in Sudanese Patient

Background: Corona Mortis is an abnormal blood vessels connecting Between obturator and external iliac systems of vessels and inferior epigastric vessels. It is located behind the superior public ramus at a variable distance from the symphysis pubis. Orthopaedic surgeons and obestitrtion found these vessels in the field of surgery. So displaced fractures or iatrogenic injury, can cause life threatening bleeding and hence these vascular anomalies are referred to us crown of death. The bulk of the studies about the corona mortise were conducted in the cadavers or 3D CT angiography and there was no studies were conducted about corona mortise in Sudan. The purpose of this study was to study the corona mortis anatomical and clinical implication in the anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum in Sudanese patient. Methodology: Hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients sustaining anterior pelvic anterior acetabulum fracture and underwent open reduction internal fixation by reconstruction plates. This study was conducted in Bahri Teaching Hospital from June 2017 to June 2018. Through the most common anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum (Stoppa-modified stoppa-ilioinguinal), done by single surgeon and fulfil data sheet intra-operatively. Results: In a total of 30 pelvic halves corona mortis was detected in 13 patients (43%).The Majority in the Rt.hemipelvies 7 (53.8%) specimens: arterial 4/13 (30.8%), venous 1/13 (7.7%) and both arterial and venous in 8/13 (61.5%) specimens respectively. Of these (53.9%) had a large Diameter > 5 mm and the largest one measure 80 mm, with mean distance From the symphysis 5.8 + 1.6 mm. Conclusion: Only 13 patients have corona mortis, 12 of them were arterial with diameter more than 5 mm (53%), and thus surgeon should exercise caution during Surgery and secure its site to help minimizing surgery time, Clear surgical field and prevent iatrgenic injury.

Reliability of a simple fluoroscopic image to assess leg length discrepancy during direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Direct anterior approach(DAA)total hip arthroplasty(THA)in a supine position provides a unique opportunity to assess leg length discrepancy(LLD)intraoperatively with fluoroscopy.Reported fluoroscopic techniques are useful but are generally complicated or costly.Despite the use of multiple techniques for leg length assessment,LLD continues to be a major post-operative source of patient dissatisfaction further emphasizing the importance of near-anatomic restoration.The utility of an alternative direct measurement of LLD on an intra-operative fluoroscopic pelvic image during DAA THA has not been reported.AIM To determine the reliability of a novel simple intra-operative measurement of LLD using a parallel line technique on a single fluoroscopic digital image of the pelvis.METHODS One hundred and seventy-one patients who underwent DAA THA were included for analysis.Intra-operative fluoroscopic and post-operative anterior-posterior radiographs were imported to TraumaCad and calibrated for LLD measurement.LLD was measured on each image using the right-left hip differences in lesser trochanter to pelvic reference line distances.Pelvic reference points included the teardrops and ischia.Fluoroscopic LLD was compared to the gold-standard measurement of LLD measured on a post-operative radiograph.RESULTS Mean absolute difference in teardrop referenced LLD between fluoroscopic and post-operative radiographs was 2.17 mm and based on the ischia mean absolute difference was 2.63 mm.Linear regression of fluoroscopic and post-operative radiograph LLD based on teardrop and ischia LLD found r2 values of 0.57 and 0.84,respectively.Mean absolute difference between fluoroscopic and postoperative x-ray LLD was within 5 mm in 95%of cases regardless of pelvic reference.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that a single fluoroscopic view obtained during DAA THA for leg length assessment is clinically useful.

Assessment of the Outcome of Anterior versus Posterior Approach in the Management of Displaced Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

Background: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are among the most common type of pediatric fractures. The outcome of severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children subjected to wide controversies in term of safety, functional and cosmetic outcome. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is now considered as the gold standard rule, but open reduction still applicable in certain cases where intraoperative imaging is not available, in comminuted lateral column fractures and uneducable fractures. Aim of the Study: To compare the outcome (functional and cosmetic) of anterior (Henry) approach with the posterior (Campbell) approach used in two groups of patients’ sustained displaced supracondylar fractures. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was performed on 48 pediatric patients who were been admitted to the Emergency Hospital in Sulaimani province sustained displaced supracondylar humeral fractures and treated during the period from the first of October 2009 to the thirty-one of January 2011. The study included 28 boys, 20 girls;their mean age was 7.5 years;their ages range 2 - 13 years. We used the modified Gartland classification to assess the fractures displacement and only Gartland type II B and III were included and managed operatively by open reduction and internal fixation with 2 crossed K-wires. Follow up continued for 6 months and the results finally assessed using Flynn’s criteria. Results: According to the criteria of Flynn et al., 20 patients (83.3%) treated by the anterior approach had excellent functional results while 4 patients (16.7%) had good functional results. While those treated by the posterior approach, 16 patients (66.6%) had excellent functional results, 6 patients (25%) had good results and 2 (8.3%) patients had fair outcome. Cosmetic results were excellent in 22 patients in the anterior approach group and 20 patients in the posterior approach group. Conclusion: Posterior Campbell approach is simpler than anterior Henry approach, but it creates additional soft tissue damage that can affect the circulatory status and hence possible osteonecrosis of the trochlea and a higher percentage of limitation in joint mobility. While the anterior approach is technically more demanding, but it gives better functional results.

Development of a Retractor Holding Device to Reduce the Manpower in Total Hip Arthroplasty through Direct Anterior Approach

Direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a minimally invasive technique. In this approach, two assistants are necessary. We developed a retractor holding device called “Spider arm” to replace an assistant in the contra-lateral side. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of Spider arm in THA through direct anterior approach. 20 hips were operated without Spider arm and 21 hips were operated with Spider arm. The surgery time and the blood loss were compared. The cup position and leg length discrepancy were measured on radiography. There was no statistical significance between two groups in all parameters. No clinical complications were reported. With Spider arm, DAA-THA could be performed by two surgeons without deterioration of the surgery time and blood loss. The accuracy of cup position and leg length discrepancy was not affected. Spider arm can contribute to reducing the manpower in DAA-THA.