Effect of body mass index on functional outcome in primary total knee arthroplasty——a single institution analysis of 2180 primary total knee replacements

AIM To evaluate the effect of body mass index(BMI) on short-term functional outcome and complications in primary total knee arthroplasty. METHODS All patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty at a single institution between 2007 and 2013 were identified from a prospective arthroplasty database. 2180 patients were included in the study. Age, gender, BMI, pre- and post-operative functional scores [Western Ontario and Mc Master University Arthritis Index(WOMAC) and SF-36], complications and revision rate were recorded. Patients were grouped according to the WHO BMI classification. The functional outcome of the normal weight cohort(BMI < 25) was compared to the overweight and obese(BMI ≥ 25) cohort. A separate sub-group analysis was performed comparing all five WHO BMI groups; Normal weight, overweight, class 1 obese, class 2 obese and class 3 obese.RESULTS With a mean age of 67.89(28-92), 2180 primary total knee replacements were included. 64.36%(1403) were female. The mean BMI was 31.86(18-52). Ninty-three percent of patients were either overweight or obese. Mean follow-up 19.33 mo(6-60 mo). There was no significant difference in pre or post-operative WOMAC score in the normal weight(BMI < 25) cohort compared to patients with a BMI ≥ 25(P > 0.05). Sub-group analysis revealed significantly worse WOMAC scores in class 2 obese 30.80 compared to overweight 25.80(P < 0.01) and class 1 obese 25.50(P < 0.01). Similarly, there were significantly worse SF-36 scores in class 2 obese 58.16 compared to overweight 63.93(P < 0.01) and class 1 obese 63.65(P < 0.01) There were 32(1.47%) superficial infections, 9(0.41%) deep infections and 19(0.87%) revisions overall with no complications or revisions in the normal weight cohort(BMI < 25).CONCLUSION Post-operative functional outcome was not influenced by BMI comparing normal weight individuals with BMI > 25. Patients should not be denied total knee arthroplasty based solely on weight alone.

The Clinical Characteristics of Combined Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis of Rivaroxaban and Mechanical Therapy after Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics of combined prophylaxis of rivaroxaban (Xarelto?) and mechanical therapy (foot sole pump, antiembolism stocking) after total knee replacement arthroplasty, for prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Materials and Methods: The subjects of this study were 110 patients who underwent total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKA) between November 2011 and May 2012, and were prospectively evaluated. They consisted of 13 men (11.8%) and 97 women (88.2%) with the mean age of 68.7 years (±7.9). All of the patients received 10 mg of rivaroxaban once daily for 14 days from Day 1 postoperatively, and used an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) pump and compression stockings immediately after the operation. To determine the presence of postoperative DVT, clinical symptoms examination, D-dimer test, color Doppler ultrasound imaging were performed to analyze the risk factors of DVT events. Results: There were a total of 13 patients (11.8%) with DVT in the distal lower limbs among the entire 110 patients. At Day 4 after the operation, a statistically significant difference was seen only in femoral swelling of several clinical symptoms between DVT group and non-DVT group (p = 0.043). D-dimer tests showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups, however with the boundary value of 0.3 mg/L, diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictability and negative predictability were equivalent to 100%, 8.2%, 12.7% and 100%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of well-known risk factors including age, gender, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and anesthesia method, and no case of pulmonary embolism was observed. Conclusion: A combination of pharmacological therapy (rivaroxaban, Xarelto?) and mechanical therapy (foot sole pump system) after TKA is considered effective for DVT prevention.

Is Robotic Arm Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty More Bone Preserving than Conventional Hip Replacements and Hip Resurfacing?

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure that is increasingly being performed in younger patients. Deep acetabular reaming will result in more bone loss and the need for large acetabular components to be implanted. It can also lead to impingement, loosening, an altered center of rotation, and intraoperative periprosthetic fracture. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the single ream, robotic arm-assisted (RAA) THA can preserve a greater volume of bone stock compared to conventional hip replacement and resurfacing. Methods: We prospectively recruited 69 patients who had undergone primary THA using the Stryker Trident Acetabular System&reg;in combination with the Stryker RAA System (MAKO)&reg;and compared their mean reaming weight (g) with that of conventional hip replacement and resurfacing, as measured by Brennan et al. Comparison of acetabular reaming during hip resurfacing versus uncemented THA (J Orthop Surg. 2009;17(1): 42-46). Results: The mean reaming weight using the MAKO system was 9.08 g, which was 29% less than the reaming weight using uncemented THA and hip resurfacing of 12.75 g. None of the acetabular cups required screw fixation. During the 35-month follow-up period, there were no complications related to cup placement or positioning. Conclusions: The use of RAA THA results in statistically significant preservation of acetabular bone compared to conventional hip replacement and resurfacing. This approach reflects the increased precision offered by RAA single reaming. Surgeons may consider utilizing RAA THA, particularly in younger patients, to better preserve bone stock as this could potentially impact future revision procedures.

Subsequent total joint arthroplasty: Are we learning from the first stage?

BACKGROUND With the increasing incidence of total joint arthroplasty(TJA),there is a desire to reduce peri-operative complications and resource utilization.As degenerative conditions progress in multiple joints,many patients undergo multiple proce-dures.AIM To determine if both physicians and patients learn from the patient’s initial arth-roplasty,resulting in improved outcomes following the second procedure.METHODS The institutional database was retrospectively queried for primary total hip arth-roplasty(THA)and total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Patients with only unilateral THA or TKA,and patients undergoing same-day bilateral TJA,were excluded.Patient demographics,comorbidities,and implant sizes were collected at the time of each procedure and patients were stratified by first vs second surgery.Outcome metrics evaluated included operative time,length of stay(LOS),disposition,90-d readmissions and emergency department(ED)visits.RESULTS A total of 642 patients,including 364 undergoing staged bilateral TKA and 278 undergoing bilateral THA,were analyzed.There was no significant difference in demographics or comorbidities between the first and second procedure,which were separated by a mean of 285 d.For THA and TKA,LOS was significantly less for the second surgery,with 66%of patients having a shorter hospitalization(P<0.001).THA patients had significantly decreased operative time only when the same sized implant was utilized(P=0.025).The vast majority(93.3%)of patients were discharged to the same type of location following their second surgery.However,when a change in disposition was present from the first surgery,patients were significantly more likely to be discharged to home after the second procedure(P=0.033).There was no difference between procedures for post-operative readmissions(P=0.438)or ED visits(P=0.915).CONCLUSION After gaining valuable experience recovering from the initial surgery,a patient’s perioperative outcomes are improved for their second TJA.This may be the result of increased confidence and decreased anxiety,and it supports the theory that enhanced patient education pre-operatively may improve outcomes.For the surgical team,the second procedure of a staged THA is more efficient,although this finding did not hold for TKA.

Effect of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative dosage and surgical site infection incidence in total joint arthroplasty

Surgical site infections(SSI)following total joint arthroplasty pose a significant concern for both providers and patients across the globe.Currently,administration of antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis is used throughout the world to reduce the incidence of SSI.However,the correct dosage and frequency of administration remains debatable.In this editorial,we emphasized the determination of the effect of administration of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis regime on the incidence of SSI and postoperative dosage reduction compared to the conventionally used regime during total joint arthroplasty.The results demonstrated similar efficacy between both regimes with respect to the incidence of SSI.In addition,weight-adjustment led to reduced postoperative dosage and has the potential to reduce chances of achieving lower therapeutic concentration,drug resistance,drug toxicity,and costs.

Comparison of femoral neck fracture healing and affected limb pain after anterolateral-approach minimally invasive total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty

Objective:To study the differences in femoral neck fracture healing and affected limb pain after anterolateral-approach minimally invasive total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty. Methods:A total of 92 patients with femoral neck fracture who received hip replacement in our hospital between May 2013 and December 2015 were selected and randomly divided into total hip and half hip group, total hip group received anterolateral-approach minimally invasive total hip replacement, half hip group received anterolateral-approach minimally invasive hemiarthroplasty, and 1 month after operation, serum was collected to detect the levels of bone metabolism markers, osteocyte cytokines, SP and CGRP.Results:1 month after operation, serum PINP, PICP, BMP, TGF-β, FGF, IGF-I and IGF-II levels of total hip group were significantly higher than those of half hip group while TRAP5b and CatK levels were significantly lower than those of half hip group;the day after operation, serum pain media SP and CGRP levels were not significantly different between the two groups of patients;36 h after operation, serum SP and CGRP levels of total hip group were significantly lower than those of half hip group.Conclusion:The bone metabolism after anterolateral-approach minimally invasive total hip replacement is better than that after hemiarthroplasty, and the degree of pain is less than that after hemiarthroplasty.

Examining the“revisability”benefit of hip resurfacing arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Hip resurfacing arthroplasty(HRA)is an alternative to total hip arthroplasty(THA)that is typically reserved for young active patients because it preserves bone.However,the benefits of HRA only hold true if conversion THA after failed HRA provides acceptable outcomes.AIM To compare patient reported outcomes for conversion THA after HRA failure to primary THA.METHODS A retrospective review of 36 patients(37 hips)that underwent conversion THA for failed HRA between October 2006 and May 2019 by a single surgeon was performed.Patient reported outcomes[modified Harris Hip Score(mHHS),University of California Los Angeles(UCLA)activity score]were obtained via an email-based responder-anonymous survey.Outcomes were compared to normative data of a primary THA cohort with similar demographics.Subgroup analysis was performed comparing outcomes of conversion THA for adverse local tissue reaction(ALTR)vs all other causes for failure.RESULTS The study group had a lower mHHS than the control group(81.7±13.8 vs 90.2±11.6,P<0.01);however,both groups had similar UCLA activity levels(7.5±2.3 vs 7.2±1.6,P=0.51).Patients that underwent conversion for non-ATLR causes had similar mHHS(85.2±11.5 vs 90.2±11.6,P=0.11)and higher UCLA activity levels(8.5±1.8 vs 7.2±1.6,P<0.01)compared to the control group.Patients that underwent conversion for ATLR had worse mHHS(77.1±14.5 vs 90.2±11.6,P<0.01)and UCLA activity levels(6.1±2.3 vs 7.2±1.6,P=0.05)when compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Patient outcomes equivalent to primary THA can be achieved following HRA conversion to THA.However,inferior outcomes were demonstrated for ALTR-related HRA failure.Patient selection and perhaps further studies examining alternative HRA bearing surfaces should be considered.

Total Knee Arthroplasty:Patellar Replacement’s Influence in Patient Quality of Life Postoperatively

Objective: To study the influence of patellar resurfacing on quality of life under a standardised score. The chosen score was the Knee Society Score (KSS), which considers range of motion, pain, contractors, alignment and stability. Methods: Retrospective review of 60 patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was divided into two groups: with patellar resurfacing (PR) and without patellar resurfacing (NPR). We reviewed data from these patients containing the KSS, which are routinely used in our service. Data were analysed from 2013 to 2014, with a minimal patient follow-up of 18 months. Results: There were no unsatisfactory scores in our study. Total scores (KSS) were similar between the groups (mean KSS: PR = 88.36 ± 9.64;NPR = 84.26 ± 9.44 [p = 0.1]). While stratifying into groups (poor, fair, good, excellent), we found excellent results in 84.8% of PR versus 59.3% NPR (p = 0.056). These data did not reach statistical significance and can therefore be considered a coincidental result. Conclusion: Although these results did not show statistical significance (p = 0.056), patellar resurfacing patients tend to get more “excellent” results after 18 months of follow-up in quality of life when evaluated by KSS. Perhaps a larger amount of patients would suffice to acquire statistical significance in a future study.

Multidisciplinary approach toward enhanced recovery after surgery for total knee arthroplasty improves outcomes

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder of the knee,which leads to joint pain,stiffness,and inactivity and significantly affects the quality of life.With an increased prevalence of obesity and greater life expectancies,total knee arthroplasty(TKA)is now one of the major arthroplasty surgeries performed for knee osteoarthritis.When enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)was introduced in TKA,clinical outcomes were enhanced and the economic burden on the healthcare system was reduced.ERAS is an evidence-based scientific protocol aimed at ameliorating the surgical stress response.ERAS aims to enhance the recovery phase,which encompasses multidisciplinary strategies at every step of perioperative care,including the rehabilitation phase.Implementation of ERAS in TKA aids in reducing the length of hospital stay,improving pain management,reducing perioperative complications,and enhancing patient satisfaction.Multidisciplinary collaboration,integrating the expertise of anesthesiologists,orthopedic surgeons,nursing personnel,and other healthcare professionals,is the cornerstone of ERAS in patients undergoing TKA.

Analysis of the causes of primary revision after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A case series

BACKGROUND Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)has great advantages in the treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis,but its revision rate is higher than that of total knee arthroplasty.AIM To summarize and analyse the causes of revision after UKA.METHODS This is a retrospective case series study in which the reasons for the first revision after UKA are summarized.We analysed the clinical symptoms,medical histories,laboratory test results,imaging examination results and treatment processes of the patients who underwent revision and summarized the reasons for primary revision after UKA.RESULTS A total of 13 patients,including 3 males and 10 females,underwent revision surgery after UKA.The average age of the included patients was 67.62 years.The prosthesis was used for 3 d to 72 months.The main reasons for revision after UKA were improper suturing of the surgical opening(1 patient),osteophytes(2 patients),intra-articular loose bodies(2 patients),tibial prosthesis loosening(2 patients),rheumatoid arthritis(1 patient),gasket dislocation(3 patients),anterior cruciate ligament injury(1 patient),and medial collateral ligament injury with residual bone cement(1 patient).CONCLUSION The causes of primary revision after UKA were gasket dislocation,osteophytes,intra-articular loose bodies and tibial prosthesis loosening.Avoidance of these factors may greatly reduce the rate of revision after UKA,improve patient satisfaction and reduce medical burden.

Which approach of total hip arthroplasty is the best efficacy and least complication?

BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty is as an effective intervention to relieve pain and improve hip function.Approaches of the hip have been exhaustively explored about pros and cons.The efficacy and the complications of hip approaches remains inconclusive.This study conducted an umbrella review to systematically appraise previous meta-analysis(MAs)including conventional posterior approach(PA),and minimally invasive surgeries as the lateral approach(LA),direct anterior approach(DAA),2-incisions method,mini-lateral approach and the newest technique direct superior approach(DSA)or supercapsular percutaneouslyassisted total hip(SuperPath).AIM To compare the efficacy and complications of hip approaches that have been published in all MAs and randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS MAs were identified from MEDLINE and Scopus from inception until 2023.RCTs were then updated from the latest MA to September 2023.This study included studies which compared hip approaches and reported at least one outcome such as Harris Hip Score(HHS),dislocation,intra-operative fracture,wound compliData were independently selected,extracted and assessed by two reviewers.Network MA and cluster rank and surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)were estimated for treatment efficacy and safety.RESULTS Finally,twenty-eight MAs(40 RCTs),and 13 RCTs were retrieved.In total 47 RCTs were included for reanalysis.The results of corrected covered area showed high degree(13.80%).Among 47 RCTs,most of the studies were low risk of bias in part of random process and outcome reporting,while other domains were medium to high risk of bias.DAA significantly provided higher HHS at three months than PA[pooled unstandardized mean difference(USMD):3.49,95%confidence interval(CI):0.98,6.00 with SUCRA:85.9],followed by DSA/SuperPath(USMD:1.57,95%CI:-1.55,4.69 with SUCRA:57.6).All approaches had indifferent dislocation and intraoperative fracture rates.SUCRA comparing early functional outcome and composite complications(dislocation,intra-operative fracture,wound complication,and nerve injury)found DAA was the best approach followed by DSA/SuperPath.CONCLUSION DSA/SuperPath had better earlier functional outcome than PA,but still could not overcome the result of DAA.This technique might be the other preferred option with acceptable complications.

Eight of ten patients return to daily activities, work, and sports after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Besides return to work(RTW)and return to sports(RTS),patients also prefer to return to daily activities(RTA)such as walking,sleeping,grocery shopping,and domestic work following total knee arthroplasty(TKA).However,evidence on the timelines and probability of patients’RTA is sparse.AIM To assess the percentage of patients able to RTA,RTW,and RTS after TKA,as well as the timeframe and influencing factors of this return.METHODS A retrospective cohort study with prospectively collected data was conducted at a medium-sized Dutch orthopedic hospital.Assessments of RTA,RTW,and RTS were performed at 3 mo and/or 6 mo following TKA.Investigated factors en-compassed patient characteristics,surgical characteristics,and preoperative patient-reported outcomes.RESULTS TKA patients[n=2063;66 years old(interquartile range[IQR]:7 years);47%male;28 kg/m2(IQR:4 kg/m2)]showed RTA ranging from 28%for kneeling to 94%for grocery shopping,with 20 d(IQR:27 d)spent for putting on shoes to 74 d(IQR:57 d)for kneeling.RTW rates varied from 62%for medium-impact work to 87%for low-impact work,taking 33 d(IQR:29 d)to 78 d(IQR:55 d).RTS ranged from 48%for medium-impact sports to 90%for low-impact sports,occurring within 43 d(IQR:24 d)to 90 d(IQR:60 d).One or more of the investigated factors influenced the return to each of the 14 activities examined,with R²values ranging from 0.013 to 0.127.CONCLUSION Approximately 80%of patients can RTA,RTW,and RTS within 6 mo after TKA.Return is not consistently in-fluenced by predictive factors.Results help set realistic pre-and postoperative expectations.

Intraoperative application of three-dimensional printed guides in total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty(THA)is of key importance to ensure satisfactory post-operative outcomes and to minimize the risk of complications.The majority of acetabular components are aligned freehand,without the use of navigation methods.Patient specific instruments(PSI)and three-dimensional(3D)printing of THA placement guides are increasingly used in primary THA to ensure optimal positioning.AIM To summarize the literature on 3D printing in THA and how they improve acetabular component alignment.METHODS PubMed was used to identify and access scientific studies reporting on different 3D printing methods used in THA.Eight studies with 236 hips in 228 patients were included.The studies could be divided into two main categories;3D printed models and 3D printed guides.RESULTS 3D printing in THA helped improve preoperative cup size planning and post-operative Harris hip scores between intervention and control groups(P=0.019,P=0.009).Otherwise,outcome measures were heterogeneous and thus difficult to compare.The overarching consensus between the studies is that the use of 3D guidance tools can assist in improving THA cup positioning and reduce the need for revision THA and the associated costs.CONCLUSION The implementation of 3D printing and PSI for primary THA can significantly improve the positioning accuracy of the acetabular cup component and reduce the number of complications caused by malpositioning.

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.

Insights into complications after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Zhao's study,offers a comprehensive analysis of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)revision indications.The study provides a detailed,case-by-case analysis of the factors leading to knee revision surgery in 13 patients.Not only elucidates the complexities of UKA revisions but also underscores the importance of continuous improvement in surgical techniques and the adoption of innovative technologies.

Mortality rate after total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty in patients with a history of liver transplant

In this editorial I comment on the article by Ahmed et al published in a recent issue of the World J Orthop 2023;14:784-790.It is well known that patients who have undergone a liver transplant(LT)may need to have a total hip arthroplasty(THA)or total knee arthroplasty(TKA)implanted.Ahmed et al stated that the mortality rate in these patients was similar to the one of the general population.However,there are three articles previously published that found higher mortality in LT patients who experienced THA/TKA than in the general population(individuals without LT).Therefore,in this Editorial I would like to point out that there is controversy in the literature regarding whether LT patients undergoing THA/TKA have higher mortality than the general population.Therefore,future research should attempt to resolve this controversy.

Pulsed lavage in joint arthroplasty: A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Knee and hip osteoarthritis affects millions of people around the world and is expected to rise even more in frequency as the population ages.Joint arthroplasty is the surgical management of choice in these articulations.Heterotopic ossi-fication and radiolucent lines formation are two frequent problems faced in hip and knee replacements respectively.Some studies show that the usage of pulsed lavage may prevent their formation.AIM To compare pulsed lavage to standard lavage in joint arthroplasty.METHODS PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar(page 1-20)were searched till December 2023.Only comparative studies were included.The clinical outcomes evaluated were the heterotopic ossification formation in hip replacements,radiolucent lines formation,and functional knee scores in knee replacements.RESULTS Four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis.Pulsed lavage was shown to reduce the formation of radiolucent lines(P=0.001).However,no difference was seen in the remaining outcomes CONCLUSION Pulsed lavage reduced the formation of radiolucent lines in knee replacements.No difference was seen in the remaining outcomes.Furthermore,the clinical significance of these radiolucent lines is poorly understood.Better conducted randomized controlled studies and cost-effectivity studies are needed to reinforce these findings.

Intermediate Hip Arthroplasty in Gabon: Blood Loss and Risk Factor for Transfusion

Background: Hip arthroplasty is a surgery with a high risk of bleeding. The main objective of this study was to research risk factors for bleeding and transfusion in patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty in Gabon. Method: It was a retrospective, monocentric, descriptive and analytical study carried out from June 2011 to June 2021 at the Omar Bongo Ondimba army training hospital. The variables studied were demographic characteristics, biological variables, transfusion and intraoperative data. The primary outcome was intraoperative transfusion. A univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of a transfusion. Results: Of the 97 patients included, the average age was 74.2 years ± 10, male predominance was 73.2%, the average ASA score was 1.9 ± 0.5, and transfusion incidence was 38.1%. The average number of RBCs transfused was 1.2 ± 0.6. Tranexamic acid was used in 11.3% of patients. The average bleeding was 450 ± 453 ml. Preoperative anemia was predictor of transfusion to be significant. Conclusion: The incidence of transfusion is law compared to total hip arthroplasty. The implementation of a patient blood management protocol is difficult given the urgency of bone repair. However, a better use of tranexamic acid could reduce this transfusion incidence.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low-risk young population:A double edge sword?

Since the advent of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)in 2002,it has now become the default interventional strategy for symptomatic patients presenting with severe aortic stenosis,particularly in intermediate to highsurgical risk patients.In 2019,the United States Food and Drug Administration approved TAVR in low-risk patients based on two randomized trials.However,these breakthrough trials excluded patients with certain unfavorable anatomies and odd profiles.While currently there is no randomized study of TAVR in young patients,it may be preferred by the young population given the benefits of early discharge,shorter hospital stay,and expedite recovery.Nonetheless,it is important to ruminate various factors including lifetime expectancy,risk of pacemaker implantation,and the need for future valve or coronary interventions in young cohorts before considering TAVR in these patients.Furthermore,the data on long-term durability(>10 years)of TAVR is still unknown given most of the procedures were initially performed in the high or prohibitive surgical risk population.Thus,this editorial aims to highlight the importance of considering an individualized approach in young patients with consideration of various factors including lifetime expectancy while choosing TAVR against surgical aortic valve replacement.

Conversion hip arthroplasty for failed nailing of intertrochanteric fracture: Reflections on some important aspects

In this editorial,I present my comments on the article by Solarino et al.Conversion hip arthroplasty,which is an optional salvage procedure performed following unsuccessful fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly pati-ents,entails more complex processes and higher rates of operative complications than primary arthroplasty.Hence,it is important to consider the appropriateness of the primary treatment choice,as well as the adequacy of nailing fixation for intertrochanteric fractures.This article briefly analyzes the possible factors contributing to the nailing failure of intertrochanteric fractures and attempts to find corresponding countermeasures to prevent fixation failures.It also analyzes the choice of treatment between nailing fixation and primary arthroplasty for intertrochanteric fractures.