Hip fracture evaluation with alternatives of total hip arthroplasty versus hemiarthroplasty (HEALTH): protocol for a multicentre randomised trial

Introduction: Hip fractures are a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, and the number of hip fractures is expected to rise to over 6 million per year by 2050. The optimal approach for the surgical management of displaced femoral neck fractures remains unknown. Current evidence suggests the use of arthroplasty; however, there is lack of evidence regarding whether patients with displaced femoral neck fractures experience better outcomes with total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). The HEALTH trial compares outcomes following THA versus HA in patients 50 years of age or older with displaced femoral neck fractures. Methods and analysis: HEALTH is a multicentre, randomised controlled trial where 1434 patients, 50 years of age or older, with displaced femoral neck fractures from international sites are randomised to receive either THA or HA. Exclusion criteria include associated major injuries of the lower extremity, hip infection(s) and a history of frank dementia. The primary outcome is unplanned secondary procedures and the secondary outcomes include functional outcomes, patient quality of life, mortality and hiprelated complications—both within 2 years of the initial surgery. We are using minimisation to ensure balance between intervention groups for the following factors: age, prefracture living, prefracture functional status, American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class and centre number. Data analysts and the HEALTH Steering Committee are blinded to the surgical allocation throughout the trial. Outcome analysis will be performed using a χ2 test (or Fisher’s exact test) and Cox proportional hazards modelling estimate. All results will be presented with 95% CIs. Ethics and dissemination: The HEALTH trial has received local and McMaster University Research Ethics Board (REB) approval (REB#: 06-151). Results: Outcomes from the primary manuscript will be disseminated through publications in academic journals and presentations at relevant orthopaedic conferences. We will communicate trial results to all participating sites. Participating sites will communicate results with patients who have indicated an interest in knowing the results. Trial registration number: The HEALTH trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00556842)

Arthroscopic Anterior Capsular Reconstruction of the Hip for Recurrent Instability

This find is registered at Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands with number PAN-0004168

Arthroscopic Bone Grafting of Deep Acetabular Cysts Using a Curved Delivery Device

Acetabular intraosseous cysts are frequently encountered in patients with dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement. Small cysts are typically addressed by removing the cyst lining and stimulating healing via microfracture or abrasion chondroplasty. In contrast, larger cysts involving 1-3 cm3 frequently require additional fortification with bone graft material to facilitate osseous ingrowth and cyst healing. Previous arthroscopic reports have described the use of rim trimming to access the extra-articular side of the cyst, with subsequent use of straight metal cannulas for delivery of bone graft material. The downsides of this technique include the requirement for rim trimming, which may be ill advised in patients with normal coverage or dysplasia, as well as the creation of a second breach in the cyst wall, precluding pressurization of the bone graft material. We describe an arthroscopic technique using a curved delivery device allowing for deeper penetration into the cyst cavity through the articular side and greater delivery of bone graft material

Arthroscopic Anterior Capsular Reconstruction of the Hip for Recurrent Instability

Symptomatic anterior instability of the hip is typically iatrogenic in nature and poses a challenging problem for the orthopaedist. With early recognition, capsular repair and plication are often effective in restoring stability. Cases involving multiple instability episodes or those with delayed presentation, however, may have patulous and deficient capsular tissue precluding successful capsulorrhaphy. Capsular reconstruction may play an important role in restoring stability in these difficult cases. We present an arthroscopic technique for iliofemoral ligament reconstruction, with Achilles tendon allograft, to address instability of the hip due to anterior capsular deficiency

All-Arthroscopic Ligamentum Teres Reconstruction With Graft Fixation at the Femoral Head-Neck Junction

Ligamentum teres (LT) tears are increasingly being recognized as a source of pain and dysfunction in the hip. Although debridement for partial tears of the LT has long been established as the standard of care with good pain relief, reconstruction has been successfully performed in select patients to address concerns of persistent symptomatic instability. The current technique for femoral tunnel preparation carries the added morbidity of open dissection in the peritrochanteric space, an unnecessarily long tunnel with excessive bone removal, and a need for a very long graft due to distal fixation at the lateral femoral cortex. To address these shortcomings, we present a technique for arthroscopic femoral tunnel drilling at the level of the head-neck junction, allowing for an all-arthroscopic LT reconstruction

The Value of Immediate Preoperative Vascular Examination in an At-Risk Patient for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Arterial complications associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although infrequent, may be associated with the following sequelae: infection, limb loss, and rarely, death. When revascularization is undertaken in the postoperative setting, additional complications may be encountered including postischemic reperfusion injury necessitating prophylactic fasciotomies. The end result is a prolonged postoperative course leading to worse functional outcome. A preoperative history and physical examination performed by the orthopedic surgeon can determine if the patient is at increased risk for vascular complications and whether the at-risk limb can withstand the stress of the operation. Consideration should be given to obtaining ankle-brachial indexes in this patient population, noting that arterial calcification may elevate the value. This article presents a case of an immediate preoperative vascular examination, performed at the time of surgical site marking, in an at-risk patient prior to TKA. We detail the clinical course of a patient with peripheral vascular disease and indwelling superficial femoral artery stent, who developed stent thrombosis in the 2-week period between his last clinic visit and date of surgery, with no change in symptoms. This restenosis was detected on routine preoperative physical examination and resulted in cancellation of the TKA in the preoperative area, allowing the patient to undergo emergent revascularization. We emphasize the importance of an immediate preoperative vascular examination in the setting of TKA and provide a comprehensive review of the literature with guidelines on the perioperative management of antiplatelet agents and appropriate use of the tourniquet

A Critical Review: Management and Surgical Options for Articular Defects in the Hip.

Patients with articular cartilage lesions of the hip may present with pain and symptoms that may be vague in nature and onset. Therefore, a thorough history and physical examination should be performed for every patient presenting with hip pain and/or disability. The management may be operative or nonoperative. Nonoperative management includes a trial of rest and/or activity modification, along with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and biologic injections. Operative treatment in the form of arthroscopic techniques continues to decrease morbidity and offer innovative solutions and new applications for microfracture, ACT, and AMIC