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Revision hip arthroplasty. A retrospective survey.

A survey of revision hip arthroplasties was performed, using a retrospective review of the patients' case notes and radiographs, and an assessment of the patients, at least 1 year after the revision. The patients were divided into three categories: a) First revision hip arthroplasty (41 patients); b) Second revision hip arthroplasty (8 patients); c) Revision of femoral hemi-arthroplasty (14 patients). The reasons for revision, the type of revision and the final outcome have been identified in each group. This is the first study which allows direct comparison of the final outcome, as assessed by accurate objective criteria, between patients having revision hip arthroplasty for different reasons. Radiographs of the hip arthroplasty after the original operation and after revision have been analysed. The final outcome of first revision hip arthroplasty and revision of hemi-arthroplasty to total hip replacement was generally good. The outcome of second revision hip arthroplasty was generally poor.

Adult↗

Geographic variations in the rates of elective total hip and knee arthroplasties among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States.

We analyzed the variations in the rates of elective total hip and total knee arthroplasties for 1988 in the United States to determine whether the rates correlated with the numbers of surgeons. There were 56,204 total hip arthroplasties and 68,491 total knee arthroplasties, performed in the home states of the patients among all of the Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare beneficiaries include most people who are more than sixty-five years old in the United States and a small proportion of younger people who are eligible for Medicare for other reasons. Seventy-nine per cent of the patients who had had a total hip arthroplasty and 89 per cent of those who had had a total knee arthroplasty had been managed with the operation because of osteoarthrosis. Both operations were most common in the seventy to seventy-four-year age-group. We calculated the rate of operations per 100 beneficiaries for each state and age-adjusted the results. Across all of the states, bilateral procedures constituted 1.6 per cent of the total hip arthroplasties and 4.8 per cent of the total knee arthroplasties. The in-hospital rates of mortality were 0.72 per cent for total hip arthroplasties and 0.45 per cent for total knee arthroplasties. The destinations after discharge from the hospital were similar for the two groups of patients, with more than 65 per cent of the patients being discharged directly to their homes. There were no significant differences among states in terms of the length of stay in the hospital or reimbursement of the hospital.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

A comparison of gentamicin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate bead implantation to conventional parenteral antibiotic therapy in infected total hip and knee arthroplasty.

A multicenter study of infected total knee and total hip arthroplasties was conducted from 1985 until 1990. Twenty-eight patients (22 total hip arthroplasties and six total knee arthroplasties) who had periprosthetic infections were treated according to a prospective, randomized protocol. After initial debridement for their infections, patients were randomized into one of the two following groups: Group I, debridement and the implantation of gentamicin-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads; and Group 2, debridement and conventional parenteral systemic antibiotic therapy. After initial treatment, the patients were then scheduled for a delayed reconstruction total joint arthroplasty. Of the 28 patients, 25 subsequently had delayed total arthroplasty, and if acrylic bone cement was used for fixation at the time of reimplantation, antibiotics were not added to the cement. The average follow-up period was three years (range, six months to 5.6 years). Infection recurred in two patients treated by debridement and the implantation of gentamicin-PMMA beads (15%) and in four patients treated with debridement and conventional systemic antibiotic therapy (30%). All recurrences occurred in patients who had infected total hip arthroplasties; none occurred in patients with total knee arthroplasties. The conditions that were common in patients with recurrent infection were (1) multiple previous surgeries, (2) host compromise and malnutrition, (3) extensive infection, and (4) inadequate debridement. The recurrence of infection was not statistically significantly more common in either treatment group. The outcome of treatment in patients with infected total joint arthroplasties using debridement, gentamicin-PMMA bead implantation,and a two-stage delayed reconstruction was similar to that of patients treated with debridement combined with conventional parenteral systemic arthroplasty and two-stage reconstruction.

Adult↗

Comparative risk of early postoperative pulmonary embolism after cemented total knee versus total hip arthroplasty with low-dose warfarin prophylaxis.

Four hundred thirteen cemented total hip arthroplasties and 852 cemented total knee arthroplasties were evaluated prospectively for postoperative pulmonary embolism. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, age 50 to 75 years old, cemented primary arthroplasty, and prophylaxis with low-dose warfarin (Coumadin, DuPont Pharma, Wilmington, Delaware). All patients underwent a preoperative perfusion scan and postoperative ventilation perfusion scan with all moderate probability scans evaluated with arteriogram. The overall incidence of pulmonary embolism was 3.8% after cemented total hip arthroplasty and 5.6% after cemented total knee arthroplasty. Because of a weight bias, patient age, weight, and gender-matched comparison was performed. Two hundred eighty-two patients from each group were matched with identical age, weight, and gender. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary embolism was 4.3% for total hip arthroplasty and 4.6% for total knee arthroplasty. These results do not support the contention that pulmonary embolism is higher after total hip arthroplasty than after total knee arthroplasty.

Aged↗

Health-related quality of life in total hip and total knee arthroplasty. A qualitative and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Total hip and total knee arthroplasties are well accepted as reliable and suitable surgical procedures to return patients to function. Health-related quality-of-life instruments have been used to document outcomes in order to optimize the allocation of resources. The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the outcomes of total hip and knee arthroplasties as evaluated by health-related quality-of-life instruments. METHODS: The Medline and EMBASE medical literature databases were searched, from January 1980 to June 2003, to identify relevant studies. Studies were eligible for review if they met the following criteria: (1). the language was English or French, (2). at least one well-validated and self-reported health-related quality of life instrument was used, and (3). a prospective cohort study design was used. RESULTS: Of the seventy-four studies selected for the review, thirty-two investigated both total hip and total knee arthroplasties, twenty-six focused on total hip arthroplasty, and sixteen focused on total knee arthroplasty exclusively. The most common diagnosis was osteoarthritis. The duration of follow-up ranged from seven days to seven years, with the majority of studies describing results at six to twelve months. The Short Form-36 and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, the most frequently used instruments, were employed in forty and twenty-eight studies, respectively. Seventeen studies used a utility index. Overall, total hip and total knee arthroplasties were found to be quite effective in terms of improvement in health-related quality-of-life dimensions, with the occasional exception of the social dimension. Age was not found to be an obstacle to effective surgery, and men seemed to benefit more from the intervention than did women. When improvement was found to be modest, the role of comorbidities was highlighted. Total hip arthroplasty appears to return patients to function to a greater extent than do knee procedures, and primary surgery offers greater improvement than does revision. Patients who had poorer preoperative health-related quality of life were more likely to experience greater improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Health-related quality-of-life data are valuable, can provide relevant health-status information to health professionals, and should be used as a rationale for the implementation of the most adequate standard of care. Additional knowledge and scientific dissemination of surgery outcomes should help to ensure better management of patients undergoing total hip or total knee arthroplasty and to optimize the use of these procedures.

Age Factors↗

Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection treated with prosthesis removal and delayed reimplantation arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate in patients with Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) the microorganism-specific cumulative probability of treatment failure after prosthesis removal and delayed reimplantation arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with S aureus THA or TKA infection, according to a strict case definition, who were treated with prosthesis removal and delayed reimplantation arthroplasty at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1980 and 1991 were identified. The study group comprised patients who were free of infection at the time of reimplantation arthroplasty. This cohort was followed up until treatment failure, infection with another organism, prosthesis removal, death, or loss to follow-up occurred. The Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to estimate the cumulative probability of treatment failure. RESULTS: Among 120 S aureus prosthetic joint infections treated with prosthesis removal during the study period, 38 episodes (22 THA, 16 TKA) in 36 patients met the study inclusion criteria. After a median of 7.4 years (range, 0.9 year-16.4 years) of follow-up, treatment failure occurred in 1 (2.6%) of 38 episodes 1.4 years after reimplantation arthroplasty. The 5-year cumulative probability of treatment failure was 2.8% (95% confidence interval, 0%-8.2%). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that prosthesis removal and delayed reimplantation arthroplasty is an effective treatment to limit the recurrence of S aureus prosthetic joint infection, provided there is no evidence of infection at the time of reimplantation arthroplasty.

Adult↗

Reducing arthroplasty costs via vendor contracts.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a method of reducing the costs of implants in hip and knee arthroplasty. DESIGN: Implant costs were compared before and after the implementation of a 2-year contract with implant vendors, providing increased volume for decreased implant cost. An additional 20% of arthroplasties could be done outside the contract for research or special purposes. SETTING: A regional health authority involving 2 acute care hospitals. METHOD: Costs were obtained for 942 hip and knee arthroplasties performed in 1993/94 and compared with costs of 1656 hip and knee arthroplasties performed in 1996/97. OUTCOME MEASURES: Implant cost and number of joint arthroplasty procedures performed. RESULTS: A 40% decrease in the cost per implant for primary knee arthroplasty and an 18% decrease in the cost per implant for primary hip arthroplasty were achieved. A rebate, calculated as a percentage of volume used, was received from the vendor to support general orthopedic research and education. A new contract for 3 years has recently been signed with 3 vendors designated as primary vendors for 80% of the volume. CONCLUSION: The vendor-contract economic strategy effectively reduced the cost of hip and knee arthroplasty and may be useful at other centres looking for cost reduction methods that maintain adequate patient care and support clinical research and education.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗

[Transfusion needs during intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods in arthroplasty of the hip and knee].

OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors associated with immediate perioperative transfusion requirements of hip or knee arthroplasty patients who have not been enrolled in a blood salvage program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study collected demographic (age, sex, weight, height, etc.), physiological (hemoglobin levels, coagulation times, preoperative platelet counts, etc.), clinical history and anesthetic and surgical data (type of anesthesia, surgical diagnosis, duration of procedure) in 112 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery: 19 cases of primary knee arthroplasty, 77 cases of hip arthroplasty and 16 replacements of hip arthroplasty. Logistic regression analysis of the aforementioned variables was performed to search for factors related to transfusional needs during and after hip arthroplasty or after knee arthroplasty, which was performed with a tourniquet applied to render intraoperative transfusion unnecessary. RESULTS: The variables that increased the risk of transfusion during surgery were duration of procedure exceeding 120 min (OR 15.24; p = 0.01) and loss of over 500 ml of blood during surgery (OR 11.4; p = 0.02). The variables associated with perioperative transfusion were loss of over 500 ml in the postanesthetic recovery room (OR 12.6; p < 0.0001), hypotensive episodes during recovery (OR 11.7; p = 0.0001), prosthetic replacement (OR 6.33; p = 0.005), height < 160 cm (OR 5.03; p = 0.02), preoperative hemoglobin level < 13.5 g/dl (OR 4.97; p = 0.02), and surgery for reasons other than osteoarthritis (arthritis, pathological fractures, etc.) (OR 4.60; p = 0.04). Variables associated with transfusion of over two units of packed red cells were a history of neoplastic disease unrelated to arthroplasty (OR 378.67; p = 0.005), prosthetic replacement (OR 49.71; p = 0.009), diabetes (OR 36.49; p = 0.02) and a hypotensive event while in the postanesthetic recovery room (OR 29.12; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that certain modifiable factors increase the risk of blood transfusion in knee and hip arthroplasty. Specifically, they are duration of surgery, intra- and postoperative bleeding, preoperative hemoglobin level and instances of perioperative hypotension. Other factors outside our control are height or patient clinical history.

Aged↗

[Modular-physiological wrist arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis].

Silicone wrist arthroplasty has dominated reconstructive surgery of the rheumatoid wrist for a long time. The declining success rates of Swanson wrist arthroplasty has encouraged the development of new wrist devices. Modular physiological total wrist arthroplasty represents a new wrist prosthesis generation with anatomical reconstruction of carpal height and wrist pivot. This increases the efficiency of wrist and finger tendons. Modular physiological total wrist arthroplasty was developed in 1992 and has been in clinical application since 1993. A total of 46 total wrist arthroplasties in 39 patients were carried out between 1993 and 1999. All patients suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. The mean follow-up period was 4.6 years. The postoperative total wrist score averaged 77.3 points, representing 78% good and excellent scores. Patient satisfaction and pain relief were achieved in 86% of cases. The range of motion at last follow-up averaged 56 degrees of the combined extension and flexion and 27 degrees for combined ulnar and radial deviation were maintained. The radiographic analysis of MPH total wrist arthroplasty demonstrated a secure reconstruction of carpal height and restoration of joint pivot. Failures occurred in seven wrist arthroplasties. Malalignement of the carpal and radial component and soft-tissue dysbalance were the reasons for recurrent dislocation in four cases. Three wrists were fused and one exchange arthroplasty using a constrained revision prosthesis was performed. The remaining three revision cases were caused by one deep infection and two failures of the carpal implant.

Arthralgia↗

[Rehabilitation outcomes following knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study of 90 patients].

The objective of rehabilitation after arthroplasty is the restoration of satisfactory joint amplitude and muscular strength. The objective of this study was to determine the reasons for hospitalization for rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty, duration of stay and perioperative morbidity. The retrospective and descriptive study included 90 patients. The average age of patients was 74.5 years. A total of 84% of patients underwent primary arthroplasty and 16% secondary arthroplasty, with 7% undergoing bilateral arthroplasty. Of the patients, 88% displayed a comorbidity; 16% a deficit in flexion or extension. A total of 28% were dependents and 43% lived alone at home. Local adverse events occurred in 48% of the patients and general adverse events in 59%; deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism were the most frequently described events (15.5%). The duration of stay for rehabilitation was 8.8 days in surgery, and 19.9 days in a rehabilitation center. The mean duration of stay was the greatest for patients with bilateral arthroplasty, those with a serious complications and older patients. The factors that determine hospitalization for rehabilitation after knee arthroplasty include older age, with comorbidity held constant; bilateral or secondary arthroplasty; level of disability; degree of dependence; living alone at home; and complications. A short stay in surgery followed by a short stay in rehabilitation center is possible with a network management.

Aged↗

Silicone implant arthroplasty in patients with idiopathic osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

PURPOSE: The outcome of silicone metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint implant arthroplasty in the osteoarthritic patient population has not been well established. Typically patients with idiopathic osteoarthritis have no history of underlying systemic disease and may respond well to treatment with MCP joint implant arthroplasty. This study examined the efficacy of silicone MCP joint implant arthroplasty for patients with idiopathic osteoarthritis for whom nonsurgical treatment had failed. METHODS: Of 14 patients (15 arthroplasties) who had silicone MCP joint implant arthroplasty for idiopathic osteoarthritis 12 (13 arthroplasties) returned for follow-up evaluation at an average of 40 months after surgery. There were 9 index finger and 4 middle finger arthroplasties. The average age at the time of surgery was 62 years. Patients completed a subjective questionnaire and were examined by a certified therapist. Range of motion and strength were recorded and the Jebsen-Taylor examination was administered to assess function. Range of motion values at final follow-up evaluation were compared with preoperative and early postoperative values. Radiographs were taken at final follow-up evaluation and compared with preoperative and early postoperative films to assess joint position, wear, and radioulnar alignment. RESULTS: At final follow-up evaluation excellent (9 patients) and good (3 patients) overall improvement were reported. Nine patients (10 implants) reported greater than 75% functional improvement. A notable increase was seen in MCP joint flexion. Grip and lateral pinch strengths were below age-matched normative data. Of the 11 patients (12 implants) who came in for follow-up evaluation 7 performed all tasks of the Jebsen-Taylor examination within the allotted time. At final follow-up evaluation all silicone implants were located and showed no signs of subluxation. Radiographic radioulnar alignment was maintained. One implant was revised at 35 months secondary to fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone implant arthroplasty is a motion-sparing procedure that provides good pain relief and maintenance of function at intermediate follow-up evaluation in patients with idiopathic osteoarthritis of the MCP joint.

Aged↗

Incidence and risk factors for blood transfusion in shoulder arthroplasty.

Although there have been numerous reports concerning the incidence and risk factors for transfusion with knee and hip arthroplasty, there is no information available for shoulder arthroplasty. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of transfusion in a consecutive group of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty and examine risk factors for a transfusion. Between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2002, the senior author performed 407 consecutive primary shoulder arthroplasties. Risk factors analyzed included preoperative hemoglobin level, age, sex, diagnosis, and hemiarthroplasty versus total shoulder arthroplasty. The indications for transfusion and associated complications were also reviewed. The overall transfusion rate was 8.1% (33/407). The incidence of transfusion was significantly greater among women (13.6% [29/213]) in comparison to men (2.1% [4/194]) (P = .0002). The risk for transfusion was significantly greater for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty for sequelae of trauma (15.8% [9/57]) (P = .0048) and rheumatoid arthritis (13.8% [8/58]) (P = .0153) compared with osteoarthritis (4.6% [10/218]). Preoperative hemoglobin level was found to be a significant risk factor for the need for transfusion (P < .0001). The rate of transfusion for hemiarthroplasty (8.3% [9/108]) and that for total shoulder arthroplasty (8.0% [24/299]) were not significantly different (P = .9203). The data from this study suggest that the rate of transfusion for shoulder arthroplasty varies markedly by sex and diagnosis. This information may be used to more accurately predict the need for transfusion and tailor preoperative blood ordering accordingly.

Aged↗

Hospitalizations for total hip arthroplasty after renal transplantation in the United States.

The national incidence of and factors associated with total hip arthroplasty in renal transplant recipients has not been reported. We conducted an historical cohort study of 42096 renal transplant recipients in the United States between 1 July 1994 and 30 June 1998. Primary outcomes were associations with hospitalizations for a primary discharge code of total hip arthroplasty (ICD9 procedure code 81.51x) within 3 years after renal transplant using Cox regression. Renal transplant recipients had a cumulative incidence of total hip arthroplasty of 5.1 episodes/1000 person-years, which is 5-8 times higher than reported in the general population. Avascular necrosis of the hip was the most frequent primary diagnosis associated with total hip arthroplasty in this population (72% of cases). Repeat surgeries were performed in 27% of patients with avascular necrosis, vs. 15% with other diagnoses. Total hip arthroplasty was more frequent in transplant recipients who were older, African American, or who experienced allograft rejection. Mortality after total hip arthroplasty was 0.21% at 30 days and 15% at 3 years, similar to the mortality of all transplant recipients. The most common indication for total hip arthroplasty after renal transplant is avascular necrosis of the hip, in contrast to the general population. Although repeat surgeries are common, total hip arthroplasty is well tolerated and is not associated with increased mortality in this population.

Adult↗

[Functional results following Girdlestone arthroplasty].

AIM: Aim of the investigation was to identify prognostic factors predicting the level of postoperative function following Girdlestone ("G")-arthroplasty. METHODS: Data were derived from 87 patients, 90 hips, treated with "G"-arthroplasty at one institution between 1983 and 2000. RESULTS: Hip scores amounted to 38.7 (HHS) and 3.5 (Merle) points. The number of previously implanted total hip arthroplasties (THR) did not correlate with the functional result of "G"-arthroplasty (r = - 0.1400; p = 0.4524). On average, the duration of THR prior to "G"-arthroplasty was 44.6 months. Survival time of the latest THR and function of "G"-arthroplasty did not correlate (r = 0.0705; p = 0.7065). Patient age at primary THR, at follow-up, or at "G"-procedure did not correlate with HHS (r = - 0.0367, p = 0.8418, r = 0.1527, p = 0.4121; r = - 0.0151; p = 0.9356, respectively). Time following "G"-arthroplasty, averaging 90.6 months, did not correlate with patients function (r = 0.0920, p = 0.6289). Revision following "G"-procedure and the presence of diabetes positively correlated (p = 0.0104). The appearance of cement in the femoral canal and radiographic signs of persistent bone infection correlated significantly (p = 0.0572). CONCLUSION: Patient age, duration of "G"-hips, and number of prior THR were not reliable to predict the function of "G"-arthroplasty.

Adult↗

[Migration of shoulder prosthesis as a consequence of hemi- or total arthroplasty].

BACKGROUND: Migration after shoulder arthroplasty can induce muscular dysbalance and instability of the shoulder joint. The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency, causes and consequences of secondary migration after shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: 107 shoulder arthroplasties in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA, n = 83) or avascular necrosis of the humeral head (AVN, n = 24), were followed clinically and radiographically over a period of 1 to 10 years. RESULTS: 17 Patients (16 %) developed secondary migration of the prosthesis. These were determined after a mean period of 33 months after shoulder arthroplasty. Patients with secondary migration of the prosthesis showed a worse function with a mean Constant score (CS) of 52.3 points in comparison to the patient group without migrated shoulder arthroplasties (62 points) (p = 0.038). In patients with total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA, n = 75), migration was observed in 13 % of cases during follow-up. Lucent lines at the glenoid were found in radiographs in 55 % of migrated shoulders and in 52 % of non-migrated shoulders (p = 0.633). The Constant score showed no significant difference between the groups (non-migrated shoulders 63 points, migrated shoulders 61 points, p > 0.5). Migration was seen in 22 % (7/32 patients) after hemiarthroplasty, however, no significant difference could be found between the respective Constant scores for migrated (47.7 points) or non-migrated (55.1 points) shoulders (p = 0.447). In patients with OA there was no significant difference in Constant score between migrated and non-migrated shoulders (p = 0.331), whereas patients with AVN showed significantly worse function after migrated shoulder arthroplasty (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Migration after total shoulder arthroplasty leads in the medium term neither to an increased frequency of lucent lines at the glenoid nor to a worsening of the functional score in comparison to non-migrated prosthesis. In patients with AVN, migration is accompanied by a worsening of the functional score and can consequently be regarded as a negative prognostic factor.

Arthroplasty, Replacement↗

Late deep venous thrombosis and delayed weightbearing after total hip arthroplasty.

One hundred ninety-nine patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty and used in hospital pneumatic compression stockings and aspirin as thromboembolic prophylaxis were screened for deep venous thrombosis using duplex ultrasonography on the fourth postoperative day. Of the initial 98 patients, 21 underwent noncemented arthroplasty, maintained touchdown weightbearing for 6 weeks after surgery, and then began progressive partial weightbearing. Of the subsequent 101 patients, 28 underwent noncemented arthroplasty and began progressive weightbearing immediately after surgery. All other patients underwent hybrid arthroplasty and began weightbearing to tolerance immediately after surgery. After duplex screening examination, patients with proximal deep venous thrombosis were given anticoagulation therapy, and patients with negative study results were observed clinically. The relative risk of proximal deep venous thrombosis after noncemented arthroplasty using delayed weightbearing was compared with that after noncemented arthroplasty using immediate progressive weightbearing. Of patients with noncemented arthroplasty, the prevalence of proximal deep venous thrombosis was significantly lower in those using progressive weightbearing immediately after surgery (none) than in those using delayed weightbearing rehabilitation (19%). This study showed that patients undergoing noncemented total hip arthroplasty with delayed weightbearing rehabilitation risk greater potential for deep venous thrombosis after hospital discharge. This study suggests consideration for continued thromboembolic prophylaxis or routine deep venous thrombosis surveillance, or both measures, after hospital discharge, unless more rapid progression of weightbearing is allowed.

Anticoagulants↗

Long-term results of total knee arthroplasty after the use of soft tissue expanders.

The success of total knee arthroplasty can be jeopardized by poor wound healing. In the current study, the results of knee arthroplasty after soft tissue expansion were reviewed retrospectively in 27 patients (29 knees) at risk for problematic healing. The incidence of wound complications was recorded for all patients after the expansion procedure and the arthroplasty. A Knee Society score also was calculated at the latest evaluation. Minor wound complications occurred after 21% (six of 29) of the tissue expansion procedures and after 18% (five of 28) of the subsequent arthroplasties. One major wound complication occurred during tissue expansion necessitating abandonment of the planned arthroplasty. No major wound complications occurred in those patients who underwent knee arthroplasty. At an average followup of 34.4 months, the average Knee Society score was 83.7 points. The results of the current study show that the technique of soft tissue expansion before total knee arthroplasty in patients at high risk for wound healing problems can successfully prevent catastrophic wound complications after the arthroplasty procedure and can avoid the need for disfiguring soft tissue reconstructions.

Adult↗

Palmar shelf arthroplasty, the next generation: distraction/interposition for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1 percent of the adult population. Bilateral symmetric involvement of the wrist occurs in 85 percent of these patients, with recurrent flares and relentless progression. Anatomic changes consist of radiocarpal, intercarpal, and radioulnar subluxation and joint destruction. For advanced disease, both wrist arthrodesis and arthroplasty have been recommended. Arthrodesis has been successful for pain relief at the expense of motion. Implant arthroplasty has been unreliable, with failure rates of 25 to 50 percent at 2 to 9 years. Palmar shelf arthroplasty was introduced in 1970 as a resectional fibrous arthroplasty. The results were good but the series was small. Subsequent reports of this procedure have been inconsistent. In 1990, I initiated and have since followed a series of patients treated with the palmar shelf arthroplasty. To the basic procedure, I added joint distraction by external fixator, collagen/bone wax interposition, scapholunate stabilization, and increased immobilization time. Fourteen consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. Each carried a diagnosis of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis of the wrist. There were 11 women and 3 men. Age ranged from 28 to 56 years. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 7 years (average 4.2). The patients were interviewed, examined, and x-rayed. A questionnaire using an analog scale as well as the Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system was completed to assess the clinical outcome of the wrist postoperatively compared with its preoperative status and with the contralateral wrist. No patient has requested or required a revision procedure. All patients experienced improvement with both pain and function; no wrist spontaneously fused. Patient satisfaction was high. Patients with ipsilateral arthroplasty and contralateral arthrodesis preferred the arthroplasty. Hospital for Special Surgery score increased from 53 to 91 out of 100 points (p < 0.001). Range of motion averaged 50 degrees flexion, 30 degrees extension. Palmar shelf arthroplasty remains a viable option for severe rheumatoid disease of the wrist. Ideally, the procedure is performed on the dominant wrist of a patient with bilateral wrist involvement in the setting of inflammatory arthritis.

Adult↗