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[Mid-term results of shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis].

INTRODUCTION: Primary osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint is less common than that of the hip and knee, but it is not so rare. The use of prosthetic arthroplasty for the management of end-stage osteoarthritis remains the treatment of choice. We reviewed our experience of shoulder arthroplasties in 48 patients (51 shoulders) with 60 months average follow-up (24-124). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (51 shoulders) underwent shoulder replacement for primary osteoarthritis. There were 15 men and 36 women. Average age was 65 years. A total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in 43, and a hemiarthroplasty in 8. A Neer II monobloc implant was used in 27, and a modular implant in 24. The humeral implant was cemented in all cases but 3. An all-polyethylene cemented glenoid implant was used in all total shoulder arthroplasties. A rotator cuff tear was found in 8 cases. RESULTS: According to Neer rating scale, an excellent result was found in 19 cases (37%), a satisfactory result in 27 (53%), and a non-satisfactory result in 5 (10%). According to Constant's criteriae, pain improved from 1.5 to 12 points, activity from 7 to 16.5 points, and mobility from 14 to 31 points. Active anterior elevation improved from 73 to 140 degrees, with a gain of 67 degrees; active external rotation improved from 9 to 40 degrees, with a gain of 31 degrees. Internal rotation improved also from the ability of the thumb to reach the sacrum to T12. The ponderated Constant score calculated for 22 patients was 91 p.cent. Radiographic analysis showed lucent lines around the humeral component in 10 cases (19%), and around the glenoid in 29 cases (67%). A complete lucent line not greater than 1mm size, was present in only 15 glenoid implants (35%). There was no case of component loosening in our series at the longest follow-up, as well as no revision procedure. Only the preoperative rotator cuff status influenced statistically the final result. Best results were obtained with total shoulder arthroplasties compared to hemiarthroplasty, and with modular implants compared to monobloc. DISCUSSION: Shoulder arthroplasty has become the standard for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis. Proximal humeral head prosthetic replacement can be a very successful procedure in patients with glenohumeral arthritis; however the degree and consistency of pain relief is not as great nor as predictable as in total shoulder arthroplasties. Also, clinical results seem to deteriorate with time. Revision rate is approximatively of 20%, usually for persistant pain. The clinical results of total shoulder arthroplasty continue to be excellent with longer follow-up period. The frequency of complications and the need for revision is low. However, when revision surgery is needed, the most common reason is for glenoid loosening. Good results can be expected especially in primary osteoarthritis with pain relief in almost all cases, good motion (three-fourths or four-fifths normal), improvement of functional activities, and patient satisfaction in at least 90% of the cases.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Shoulder arthroplasty for non-operated anterior shoulder instability with secondary osteoarthritis].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to analyze the natural history of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint secondary to non-operated anterior instability, to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome after arthroplasty for this indication, and to compare results with data reported in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight Aequalis shoulder arthroplasties were performed for osteoarthritis secondary to anterior shoulder instability in patients who had not undergone any prior stabilizing surgical procedure. This multicentric series was reviewed retrospectively at a mean follow-up of 44 months (range 24-87 month). Preoperative and last follow-up clinical status was compared using the Constant score. Standard operative technique was used and anatomic position of the implants was achieved in 27 patients. Total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in eighteen patients and simple humeral implantation in ten. Patients were divided into two sub-groups for analysis of outcome (age at first dislocation > or < 40 years). RESULTS: There were four complications including one early loosening that required revision arthroplasty. Outcome was excellent or good in 54% of the cases. Group 1 (age at first dislocation < 40 years) included 17 patients and exhibited male predominance (13/17), young age at first dislocation (mean 28.5 years), high number of dislocations (mean 13), and a long natural history of osteoarthritis (mean 28 years). In this sub-group, imaging disclosed constructive osteoarthritis reflecting a long history. There was one case with a full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus. Outcome was excellent or good in 64% of these 17 patients (14 underwent total shoulder arthroplasty). The sub-group of 11 patients whose first dislocation occurred after the age of 40 years exhibited female predominance (9/11), a small number of dislocations (mean 1.3), and a short natural history of osteoarthritis (mean 6 years). In this sub-group, imaging disclosed six cases of basically chondrolytic osteoarthritis reflecting a short evolution. There were seven cases of full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus. Outcome was excellent or good in 36% of these 11 patients (4 underwent total shoulder arthroplasty). DISCUSSION: The forty-year age cutoff allowed us to distinguish two populations. The first population of patients whose first dislocation had occurred before the age of 40 years was predominantly male, with a long history of constructive osteoarthritis without rotator cuff tears. Most of these patients were treated with total shoulder arthroplasty which gave results similar to those obtained with arthroplasty for primary centered osteoarthritis. The second sub-group of patients aged over 40 years at the time of the first dislocation were predominantly female with a short history of minimally constructive osteoarthritis and frequent rotator cuff tears. Humeral implants were used for most of these patients and gave less favorable results than in the former sub-group, probably due to the high rate of rotator cuff tears.

Adolescent↗

Primary glenohumeral degenerative joint disease: factors predisposing to arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural history of shoulder osteoarthritis (OA), in particular the requirement for arthroplasty over time, and to determine the potential predisposing factors for such arthroplasty. METHODS: In- and out-patients with the diagnosis of OA of the shoulder seen between January 1990 and December 1994 were contacted by mail or telephone in 2000. Evaluation at the time of diagnosis: demographics, clinical and radiological data were evaluated at the time of diagnosis. The follow-up evaluation consisted of a questionnaire sent to each patient inquiring whether they had had recourse to shoulder arthroplasty and, if not, evaluated their willingness regarding this surgical approach. For the statistical analysis the requirement for arthroplasty over time was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier technique. Potential factors predisposing to arthroplasty were determined using a Cox-model analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire was answered by 72 of the 86 contacted patients. No difference was observed in clinical and radiological variables at the time of diagnosis between responders and non-responders. The requirement for arthroplasty was low (respectively 5% and 13%, 5 and 10 years following the onset of the symptoms). Nearly half of the patients who had not undergone surgery thought that arthroplasty would have been the treatment of choice to improve their quality of life since more than one year at the time of completing the questionnaire. Two variables were picked up in the Cox analysis, with a probability of shoulder replacement higher in patients with concomitant osteonecrosis of the humeral head (p = 0.02) and a non-eccentric glenohumeral OA (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The low percentage of patients with arthroplasty over time, together with patient perception, suggest underuse of this surgical approach in shoulder OA.

Aged↗

Physical activity and risk of revision total knee arthroplasty in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if physical activity was a risk factor for revision arthroplasty after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to osteoarthritis (OA) within the previous 15 years. METHODS: This was a matched case-control study. The cases had primary TKA followed by revision arthroplasty. Controls had primary TKA and no revision arthroplasty. Cases and controls were matched for age, sex, number of knees replaced, and date of primary TKA. Standardized telephone interviews were conducted to assess historical leisure activity, occupational activity, and instrumental activities of daily living after primary TKA in metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week. Conditional logistic regression was performed to identify the variables that predicted the need for revision arthroplasty. RESULTS: Seventeen female and 9 male pairs, aged 47 to 85 years, participated. Most of the reported activity was of low impact and low or moderate intensity. Cases reported a median of 44.5 (range 0 to 137) MET-hours of total historical physical activity per week compared with controls' 55.1 (range 0 to 278) MET-hours. Total historical physical activity was not associated with the risk of revision arthroplasty (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-1.01). Participants with primary TKA (controls) consistently reported more MET-hours of leisure and occupational activity than those with revision arthroplasty (cases) regardless of the number of knees replaced or whether or not walking was accounted for. CONCLUSION: This study quantified and described patterns of physical activity in a population with TKA. Physical activity did not appear to be a risk factor for revision arthroplasty. Our results suggest that individuals undergoing primary TKA should be encouraged to remain active after surgery.

Aged↗

[Large variation in indications for internal fixation or arthroplasty in displaced femoral neck fracture; results of a questionnaire distributed among general surgeons in 20 hospitals].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment protocols for displaced femoral neck fractures in all 8 university hospitals (UH) and 12 general hospitals (GH). DESIGN: Descriptive; questionnaire. METHOD: Questionnaires were distributed to general surgeons who also perform traumatology surgery. They were requested to give succinct answers to questions about local protocol for the maximum permissible time interval between hip trauma and operation, indications for internal fixation and arthroplasty, operative technique and postoperative degree of weight-bearing in patients over 60 years of age with a displaced femoral neck fracture. RESULTS: Internal fixation and arthroplasty were performed within 24 and 48 hours respectively in 95% of all hospitals. A biological upper age limit of between 65 and 80 years old was the most commonly quoted indication for internal fixation in 70% of all hospitals. In 83% of GH dementia was considered an indication for arthroplasty as opposed to 0% in UH. Poor bone quality, immobility, comminution and inadequate reduction were incidentally quoted indications for arthroplasty. Rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis and pathological fracture were contra-indications for internal fixation in all hospitals. Operative techniques for internal fixation and arthroplasty were similar in both UH and GH. After internal fixation, full weight-bearing was recommended in all UH and partial weight-bearing in 7 (58%) of GH. Following arthroplasty all protocols prescribed full weight-bearing. CONCLUSION: The variation in indications for internal fixation or arthroplasty reflects the lack of studies that demonstrate clearly which patient can be treated optimally with which treatment modality. There were few differences in the operative techniques of internal fixation and arthroplasty between the hospitals.

Age Factors↗

Distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty. Current concepts.

Arthroplasty techniques for the distal radioulnar joint can be grouped into several categories. These are resectional or excisional arthroplasty, hemiresection or partial resectional arthroplasty, ulnar shortening, or replacement arthroplasty. These techniques are used in varying conditions and situations. Once the function of the radioulnar joint is understood, the choice of arthroplasty technique is simplified. This article presents the theoretical basis for selecting a particular type of arthroplasty technique in any patient. The author's hemiresection interposition technique of arthroplasty developed in the mid 1970s. Sufficient results have now been published that an assessment of the efficacy of the procedure is available. The author's current concept is that detailed and increasing experience with the procedure has uncovered some problems and some modifications. The major indications for the hemiresections arthroplasty and its alternatives must be in the armamentarium of those dealing with this joint.

Arthritis↗

Treatment of periprosthetic fractures in association with total hip arthroplasty--a retrospective comparison between revision stem and plate fixation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In periprosthetic fracture associated with hip arthroplasty, no consensus exists about the use of plate fixation or revision stem except for cases where the stem is loose in a young patient and a revision is made. The aim of the present retrospective study was to compare two commonly used alternatives for treatment of the fracture--revision arthroplasty and plate fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-five fractures associated with total hip arthroplasty were treated with revision arthroplasty (N = 40) or compression plate fixation (N = 35). Twenty-one fractures were intraoperative and 54 were postoperative. In revision arthroplasty, cemented (N = 11) and porous-coated (N = 29) stems were sued. Autologous bone grafts were used in 15 revision arthroplasties and 20 plate fixations. The follow-up time was median 20 months (range 12-96 months). RESULTS: Bone grafting at the time of fracture treatment had no significant effect on fracture healing in the present setting. One patient in both groups was operated secondarily because of fracture instability. Five nonunions in the former and 9 nonunions in the latter group were treated by repeated revision and bone graft. In two revision arthroplasties and nine cases with plate fixation, a secondary bone grafting operation was performed for delayed union. In all, 20 secondary operations were needed after prosthesis stem revision and 27 secondary operations after plate fixation (p = 0.014). The need for reoperations was similar in fractures at different levels of the femur. Fracture healing was finally obtained in 39 revision arthroplasties and 34 cases with plate fixation during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Cases where the prosthesis stem is stable, where its removal would include great risks and, where the biomechanical conditions are optimal, are best treated with plate fixation. In cases where the stem is loose and where a choice is possible, stem revision is preferable to plate fixation.

Adult↗

Biaxial long-stemmed multipronged distal components for revision/bone deficit total-wrist arthroplasty.

Revision total-wrist arthroplasty has a high incidence of complications. Loosening is a significant problem for the distal implant. Because of the high failure rate of single-pronged distal implants after revision total-wrist arthroplasty, a custom multipronged distal component (biaxial total-wrist implant) was designed for use in patients with deficient bone stock who undergo revision operation. Ten cases of total-wrist arthroplasty with a custom long-stemmed multipronged distal component are presented. The preoperative diagnosis was failed total-wrist arthroplasty in 9 cases. Mean time from previous total-wrist arthroplasty to revision procedure was 5.6 years. At follow-up evaluation (mean, 3.8 years; range, 3.0-4.8 years), 2 patients had undergone arthrodesis: 1 patient at an outside institution 1 year after surgery for periprosthetic fracture of the radius, and 1 patient at our institution for distal implant loosening. The 8 other patients had functional total-wrist arthroplasties. At follow-up evaluation, all patients reported they were satisfied. Six patients reported no pain and 2 reported mild pain. Mean range of motion at follow-up evaluation was within the previously defined limits that allow patients to function in activities of daily living: 78 degrees for supination, 77 degrees for pronation, 39 degrees for extension, 17 degrees for flexion, 12 degrees for radial deviation, and 18 degrees for ulnar deviation. Revision total-wrist arthroplasty with custom long-stemmed, multipronged distal components offers an alternative to those patients with deficient bone stock who refuse arthrodesis. Early results demonstrate greater longevity compared with single-pronged components for revision total-wrist arthroplasty.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Efficacy of closed wound drainage after total joint arthroplasty. A prospective randomized study.

The efficacy of closed suction drains following joint arthroplasty operations was prospectively evaluated in a randomized manner. All 88 patients allotted to primary knee or hip arthroplasty operations during a 6-month period were included in the study. Drains were used in 32 of 58 patients following total knee arthroplasty and in 18 of 30 total hip arthroplasties. No statistical difference was found in the hemoglobin levels measured following surgery and in the number of patients requiring blood transfusions between the two groups after total hip arthroplasty (P = .06). The power of the test to detect a difference of 2 g% in hemoglobin levels is 94%. Two patients from each group had a transient serous discharge for 3 to 4 days following surgery and none had wound infections. Significantly more blood transfusions were needed in patients with drains following total knee arthroplasty compared with patients without drains (0.7 unit per patient versus 0.2 unit per patient, P = .005) to maintain the same hemoglobin blood levels. Patients with no drains had significantly more transient sterile serous wound discharge than patients with drains (38.4% vs 12.5%, P = .02). Superficial wound infection necessitating antimicrobial medication developed in one patient with drains and in no patients in the other group. These results suggest that drains may not be needed following total hip arthroplasty. The more common serous wound discharge may be of some concern when drains are not used following total knee arthroplasty.

Aged↗

Results and complications of total hip arthroplasties in patients with sickle-cell hemoglobinopathies. Role of cementless components.

The complications and results of 16 primary and revision total hip arthroplasties in patients with sickle-cell hemoglobinopathies were evaluated. One patient died from renal failure at 1 year, leaving 15 hips in 10 patients for review at a mean follow-up period of 6 years (range, 2-12 years). There were 7 cementless primary total hip arthroplasties and 8 revision arthroplasties, 6 of which were uncemented. Patients were evaluated clinically using a standard hip rating system and radiographically using accepted criteria. There were no early or late deep infections; however, 7 of 8 primary arthroplasties and 5 of 8 revisions had one or more early complications. No cementless component demonstrated loosening; however, there was asymptomatic polyethylene wear in 2 primary arthroplasties, treated with grafting and liner exchange, and femoral osteolysis was present in 4 of 13 cementless arthroplasties, one of which was revised to permit extensive grafting. Of the original 15 arthroplasties performed by the senior author, 5 required some type of reoperation during the study. At most recent follow-up evaluation, no component in the study was radiographically loose. In the hips that did not require reoperation, the overall results were excellent in 6 hips, good in 3, and poor in 1 hip. Of the 5 hips requiring reoperation, the results were excellent in 3 hips, good in 1, and fair in 1 hip at most recent follow-up evaluation. Cementless components should be considered for all primary and revision arthroplasties in patients with sickle-cell hemoglobinopathies, but early complications are frequent and a high incidence of polyethylene wear and osteolysis requiring reoperation may be expected.

Adult↗

Late prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty for displaced proximal humerus fractures.

Twenty-three shoulders in 23 patients with failed treatment of three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures subsequently treated with prosthetic arthroplasty were reviewed. The initial treatment was closed in 10 cases and open in 13. The complications of treatment included malunions in 17, nonunions in four, traumatic arthritis in 14, avascular necrosis in nine, humeral shortening in six, and deltoid paresis in four. In 20 cases prosthetic arthroplasty was performed an average of 15.8 months after injury. Three other cases had arthroplasty 19, 20, and 22 years after the original fracture. Seventeen were treated with a total shoulder arthroplasty, and six had a humeral head replacement. Thirteen had a tuberosity osteotomy, and eight had lengthening of the subscapularis tendon. Prosthetic arthroplasty reduced the shoulder pain in 22 (95%). Average active forward elevation increased from 68 degrees to 92 degrees, and active external rotation increased from 6 degrees to 27 degrees. After arthroplasty 53% of the patients were able to do activities at or above shoulder level compared with 15% before arthroplasty. Late surgery for failed early treatment is technically difficult, and the results are inferior to those reported for acute humeral head replacement. These findings should be considered when treatment is selected for acute three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures. Nonetheless late arthroplasty is a satisfactory reconstructive option when primary treatment of proximal humerus fractures fails.

Adolescent↗

Differences between men and women in the rate of use of hip and knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that, for some conditions, women receive fewer health care interventions than men. We estimated the potential need for arthroplasty and the willingness to undergo the procedure in both men and women and examined whether there were differences between the sexes. METHODS: All 48,218 persons 55 years of age or older in two areas of Ontario, Canada, were surveyed by mail and telephone to identify those with hip or knee problems. In these subjects, we assessed the severity of arthritis and the presence of coexisting conditions by questionnaire, documented arthritis by examination and radiography, and conducted interviews to evaluate the subjects' willingness to undergo arthroplasty. The potential need for arthroplasty was defined by the presence of severe symptoms and disability, the absence of any absolute contraindications to surgery, and clinical and radiographic evidence of arthritis. The estimates of need were then adjusted for the subjects' willingness to undergo arthroplasty. RESULTS: The overall response rates were at least 72 percent for the questionnaires and interviews. As compared with men, women had a higher prevalence of arthritis of the hip or knee (age-adjusted odds ratio, 1.76; P<0.001) and had worse symptoms and greater disability, but women were less likely to have undergone arthroplasty (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; P<0.001). Despite their equal willingness to have the surgery, fewer women than men had discussed the possibility of arthroplasty with a physician (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63). The numbers of people with a potential need for hip or knee arthroplasty were 44.9 per 1000 among women and 20.8 per 1000 among men. After adjustment for willingness to undergo the procedure, the numbers were 5.3 per 1000 for women and 1.6 per 1000 for men. CONCLUSIONS: There is underuse of arthroplasty for severe arthritis in both sexes, but the degree of underuse is more than three times as great in women as in men.

Aged↗

Results of total elbow arthroplasty after excision of the radial head and synovectomy in patients who had rheumatoid arthritis.

We compared the results of twenty-three consecutive capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasties in twenty-three patients in whom an excision of the radial head and synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis had failed with those of twenty-three non-consecutive primary capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasties in twenty-three patients who had rheumatoid arthritis. The two groups were matched for age, gender, duration of follow-up, side of the operation, type of prosthesis, and operative approach. The average duration of follow-up was four years (range, two to fourteen years). At the most recent follow-up examination, use of a 100-point rating system demonstrated an improvement from an average preoperative score of 21 points (range, 12 to 42 points) to an average postoperative score of 87 points (range, 17 to 97 points) for the group in whom an excision of the radial head and synovectomy had failed. The group that had primary arthroplasty demonstrated an improvement from an average preoperative score of 22 points (range, 7 to 42 points) to an average postoperative score of 94 points (range, 85 to 100 points). The group that had primary arthroplasty had a significantly greater improvement in terms of relief of pain (p < 0.05), functional status (p < 0.01), and the elbow-rating score (p < 0.03) than the other group. Four patients who had had failure of an excision of the radial head and synovectomy and none of those who had primary arthroplasty needed an additional operative procedure. Six of the patients who had had a failed excision and synovectomy and none of the patients who had primary arthroplasty had instability of the elbow components. We concluded that, although excision of the radial head and synovectomy is a conservative and effective method of treating a painful rheumatoid elbow, conversion to a capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasty is more difficult after such an operation and the results at a minimum of two years are inferior to those for primary capitellocondylar total elbow arthroplasty.

Adult↗

Improvement in cardiovascular fitness after total knee arthroplasty.

Patients who have osteoarthrosis involving weight-bearing joints typically have a gradual decline in physical activity, which is often associated with cardiovascular deconditioning. After joint replacement, many patients resume routine walking and recreational activities, which may improve aerobic capacity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of total knee arthroplasty on cardiovascular fitness. Nineteen patients who had had total knee arthroplasty (the arthroplasty group) performed an exercise test for cardiovascular fitness preoperatively. Sixteen of these patients were tested again at one year postoperatively and thirteen, at two years postoperatively. Sixteen patients in whom osteoarthrosis of the knee was being treated medically (the control group) were tested at the time of enrollment in the study and one year later. Nine of these patients also were tested two years after enrollment. All of the patients completed the Arthritis Impact-Measurement Scales (AIMS) at each examination. Fitness was assessed by the performance of a progressive maximum exercise test with use of a bicycle ergometer and a metabolic cart. All patients achieved the anaerobic threshold. One year postoperatively, the patients in the arthroplasty group demonstrated an increase, which approached significance, in maximum oxygen consumption (measured in milliliters of oxygen per minute) (p = 0.07), maximum oxygen consumption corrected for body weight (p = 0.08), and percentage of predicted maximum uptake of oxygen (p = 0.06). Two years after the total knee arthroplasty, the patients had a significant improvement with regard to all three parameters (p = 0.008, 0.005, and 0.005, respectively). The patients in the control group demonstrated a significant decrease in duration of exercise and in maximum workload at one year (p = 0.003 and 0.005, respectively) and at two years (p = 0.008 for both parameters). Physical activity had increased in the arthroplasty group but not in the control group, as demonstrated by the results of the Arthritis Impact-Measurement Scales. These findings demonstrate a trend toward improvement in cardiovascular fitness one year after total knee arthroplasty and a significant improvement two years postoperatively for patients who had been able to resume routine functional activities because of the arthroplasty. These improvements compared favorably with the static pattern or the decline in the measures of fitness that were observed in the control group. Our results should be considered preliminary because of the relatively small number of patients who were studied.

Aged↗

Participation in sports after hip and knee arthroplasty: review of literature and survey of surgeon preferences.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize previously published findings and to present the opinions of a group of reconstructive orthopedic surgeons from a single institution on participation in sports after hip or knee arthroplasty. DESIGN: We reviewed the literature pertaining to participation in sports after hip or knee arthroplasty and surveyed a group of orthopedic surgeons about their recommendations for resumption of various sports activities by patients who had undergone total hip or knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A computerized literature search was performed, and salient issues about participation in sports after joint replacement procedures were synthesized. At the Mayo Clinic, 28 orthopedic surgeons (13 consultants and 15 fellows or residents) completed a single-page questionnaire that requested a recommendation ("yes," "no," or "depends") about patients resuming participation in 28 common sports after recovery from total hip or knee arthroplasty. Staff surgeon responses were compared with responses from fellows and residents by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Sports in which 75% of surgeons would not allow participation were identified as "not recommended," whereas sports in which 75% of surgeons would allow participation were labeled as "recommended." RESULTS: Fellows and residents were less likely than staff surgeons to allow return to cross-country skiing after total knee arthroplasty. Otherwise, responses from consultant surgeons and from fellows and residents did not differ significantly. Recommended sports included sailing, swimming laps, scuba diving, cycling, golfing, and bowling after hip and knee replacement procedures and also cross-country skiing after knee arthroplasty. Sports not recommended after hip or knee arthroplasty were running, waterskiing, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, handball, karate, soccer, and racquetball. CONCLUSION: After hip or knee arthroplasty, participation in no-impact or low-impact sports can be encouraged, but participation in high-impact sports should be prohibited.

Hip Prosthesis↗

Total arthroplasty of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint.

Considering the large number of procedures designed for the thumb trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint, it is evident that none are completely satisfactory. Total arthroplasty attempts to improve the results of resection or space-occupying arthroplasties which, while providing good pain relief, have offered little thumb stability, strength, or normal motion. Conditions of surrounding joints indicate that this disease process is not always a straightforward clinical presentation and that a variety of surgical options are needed. When joint disease is limited to the TMC joint, bone stock is good and there is no excessive heterotopic bone. A total arthroplasty can be considered in selected patients. Careful analysis of comparative series between silicone spacers and tendon spacers for trapezium resection arthroplasty demonstrates that both pinch strength and motion are somewhat less than with total trapezial arthroplasty. Key-type pinch rarely was over 50% of the normal and averaged less than 5 kg for both interposition and silicone arthroplasty. Continued problems with implant subluxation, silicone reactive synovitis, and other complications suggest that these resections (replacement) of the trapezium are not error-free and sacrifice thumb stability. With all types of thumb reconstruction, high precision technique is required. With improved biomaterials, thumb biomechanics, and better fixation techniques, more physiologic implant arthroplasties can be anticipated to improve the current designs of total joint arthroplasties.

Aged↗

Supracondylar fracture of the femur after total knee arthroplasty.

We reviewed the data on thirty-six supracondylar fractures of the femur (in thirty-four patients) that occurred after total knee arthroplasties that were done between April 1974 and December 1981. Patients who had osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, one or more previous arthroplasties of the knee, or inadvertent breeching of the anterior aspect of the femoral cortex at operation appeared to be particularly at risk for a supracondylar femoral fracture. Malalignment of the component could not be implicated as a cause. Twenty-six fractures (in twenty-five patients) were treated by non-operative methods. Seventeen of them (65.4 per cent) healed and required no surgical treatment. Fourteen of the seventeen were followed for more than two years; they had no significant difference in the knee score and lost less than 10 degrees of motion. The nine remaining knees required revision of the arthroplasty because of non-union in four knees, malunion in two, loosening of the component in two, and extension lag in one. At an average of forty months after revision, the nine knees were rated as having one excellent, four good, three satisfactory, and one failed result. In contrast, only three of the five fractures that were treated by early open reduction and internal fixation had a satisfactory result, and one of them required a second bone-grafting procedure. One patient died perioperatively and another required an above-the-knee amputation because of sepsis. Of the three fractures that were initially treated by external fixation, one had an excellent and two had a good result at an average of forty-five months after fracture. We have found that supracondylar fractures that occur after total knee arthroplasty can be managed by either traction or application of a cast, or both, which usually results in healing of the fracture and a satisfactory outcome of the arthroplasty. Patients who have a poor arthroplasty result after non-operative treatment of the fracture usually can undergo a revision arthroplasty with the expectation of a satisfactory outcome. Operative treatment of the fracture should be reserved for patients who do not have osteopenia and in whom stable fixation can be achieved, for those who demand a highly functional arthroplasty, and for those in whom adequate closed reduction cannot be maintained.

Aged↗

Infection after total joint arthroplasty from distal extremity sepsis.

At the UCLA Medical Center in three patients treated for hematogenous infection after total joint arthroplasty, the source was apparently an infection in the extremities at a site distal to the joint arthroplasty. In a 72-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis infection developed in the right hip after total hip arthroplasty following a Staphylococcus aureus infection at the site of a left metatarsophalangeal arthroplasty. In a 64-year-old man with osteoarthritis the staphylococcal infection that developed after right total hip arthroplasty was seeded from a pyarthrosis of the right knee. In a 61-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis the sites of bilateral knee arthroplasties were seeded from a soft tissue infection of the left foot. These cases illustrate the potential for infection from local wound sepsis distal to joint arthroplasty. Such infections, particularly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, should be treated aggressively to avoid seeding of the more proximal total joint arthroplasty site.

Aged↗