Orthopaedics

Formatting references for scientific manuscripts Srinivas BS Kambhampati, Lalit Maini Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):381-383

Clinical and structural outcomes after arthroscopic repair of medium- to massive-sized delaminated and nondelaminated rotator cuff tears Vivek Pandey, CJ Joseph, Naveen J Mathai, Kiran KV Acharya, Lakshmikanth H Karegowda, W Jaap Willems Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):384-391 Introduction: Current evidence is controversial about the outcomes after the repair of the delaminated versus nondelaminated rotator cuff tears. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting delamination of the cuff and clinical and structural outcomes after en masse arthroscopic repair of delaminated versus nondelaminated cuff of varying sizes. Materials and Methods: A total of 233 patients with full-thickness posterosuperior cuff tears were divided in two groups: Group 1: Delaminated tears (n = 131) and Group 2: Nondelaminated tears (n = 102) of medium, large, and massive sizes. Both groups were evaluated by clinical scores (Constant–Murley [CM], American shoulder and elbow score [ASES]) and ultrasonography (USG), at a minimum followup of 2 years. Results: The mean followup was 45.47 months. There was a weak but statistically significant linear correlation (P = 0.02) between the increasing size of tear and delamination, whereas increasing age and duration of symptoms did not correlate with increasing tendency of delamination. Final followup USG analysis revealed that there was no significant difference (P = 0.55) between healing rates of Group 1 and Group 2. Further taking various tear sizes into account, USG revealed no significant difference between the healing rates of two groups. The mean overall final postoperative CM and ASES scores of two groups did not show any significant difference (CM; P = 0.36, ASES; P = 0.4). However, the clinical outcome was significantly better in the completely healed group as compared to partially healed or retear group. Conclusions: A weak linear correlation between delamination and increasing size of the tear was noted. Although overall structural and clinical outcome is no different between two groups, the clinical outcomes of completely healed tear are better than partially healed ones. Level of Evidence: Level III, Retrospective comparative.

Relation between hypertrophy of teres minor muscle and external rotation lag sign in patients with rotator cuff pathology Sandeep Vella, A Srinivasa Rao Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):392-395 Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the compensatory hypertrophy of the teres minor (TM) muscle in rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and also the relation between hypertrophy of TM muscle and external rotation lag sign (ERLS). Methods: In the period between June 2017 and April 2018, forty patients with RCTs of the shoulder joint came to our institution. We determined the ERLS of all the RCT patients along with the TM occupation ratio in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and correlated them together. The normal mean of TM occupational ratio was calculated from ten patients who have undergone MRI scan for other causes but with normal rotator cuff muscles. Results: In our study, the mean TM occupational ratio of 10 normal rotator cuff patients was 0.277. Of 40 rotator cuff pathology patients, the mean occupational ratio of the TM in RCTs is 0.359. Sixteen of the 40 patients had ER lag positive and the remaining 24 patients had ER lag negative. Those who were ER lag negative have an TM occupational ratio >0.401. A positive correlation was found between hypertrophy of TM and ERLS. Conclusion: ERLS will be negative in patients with hypertrophy of TM in the setting of posterosuperior cuff tears. There is a strong correlation between cuff tears and hypertrophy of TM muscle, which helps in better prognosis and functional outcome of the patients treated with surgical intervention.

Evaluation of functional outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using southern california orthopedic institute technique Nilesh Kamat, Ankur Parikh, Parth Agrawal Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):396-401 Background: The number of anchors and modality of fixation to be used has been a point of debate in the arthroscopic management of rotator cuff repair. Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI) technique has shown better anatomical healing of tendons using single-row anchors. In this study, we evaluated the functional outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the SCOI technique, in Indian population. Materials and Methods: Thirty two patients (16 males and 16 females) were included in the study, and underwent an arthroscopic repair of small-to-medium-sized rotator cuff tear, at a single institution, for 12 months. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated using UCLA score and Constant-Murley score, and range of motion was analyzed and documented using photographs. Results: Mean age was 57.06 years, and the most common cause of cuff tear was a traumatic degeneration. Mean UCLA score improved from preoperative 8.75 to postoperative 31.79, at 12 months, with the P < 0.001. Similarly, mean Constant-Murley score improved from preoperative 20.66 to postoperative 81.31, at 12 months, with P < 0.001. Conclusion: We conclude that the SCOI single-row technique proves to be a good and effective modality of treatment in the arthroscopic management of small-to-medium-sized rotator cuff tears. In Indian population, considering cost-effectiveness, single-row repair of rotator cuff tears using SCOI technique can be an interesting option in its management.

Efficacy of different posterior capsulotomies on dislocations in hip hemiarthroplasty: T-shaped capsulotomy versus longitudinal capsulotomy Ahmet Yilmaz Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):402-406 Background: Dislocation following hip hemiarthroplasty is one of the leading reasons necessitating a resurgery. Many studies suggested that the type of the surgical approach is the main cause for dislocation. However, no consensus has been reached yet regarding the type of the surgical approach. In this prospective clinical study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of two different capsulotomy techniques on dislocations, applied during hip hemiarthroplasties performed through the posterior approach. Materials and Methods: We investigated the dislocation rates in 287 patients (aged 65 and above) who underwent cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures through the posterior capsular approach using two different capsulotomy techniques between 2009 and 2016. Patients were followed up for 12 months after hemiarthroplasty. Patients were evaluated in two groups; on whom hemiarthroplasty was performed as longitudinal (146 patients) and as T-shaped capsulotomy (141 patients). Results: Posterior dislocations occurred in seven (5%) patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty with T-shaped capsulotomy. No dislocation was observed in 146 patients who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty through posterior longitudinal capsulotomy. The difference between the two study groups was statistically significant (P < 0.007). Conclusion: Capsule integrity can be achieved through a strong capsule repair which is possible through hemiarthroplasty with longitudinal capsulotomy. Longitudinal capsulotomy is an effective technique in preventing dislocations following hip hemiarthroplasty.

The effect of intensive abductor strengthening on postoperative muscle efficiency ands functional ability of hip-fractured patients: A randomized controlled trial Sophia Stasi, George Papathanasiou, Efstathios Chronopoulos, Ismene A Dontas, Ioannis P Baltopoulos, Nikolaos A Papaioannou Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):407-419 Background: Hip fractures are common in the elderly and many patients fail to regain prefracture hip abductor strength or functional status. The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of an intensive abductor muscle exercise program versus a standard physiotherapy intervention in hip-fractured patients. Materials and Methods: Ninety six femoral neck-fractured patients were randomized into equal-sized groups. A 12-week standard physiotherapy program was implemented in the control group(S-PT) whereas an intensive exercise program, emphasizing on abductors' strengthening, was implemented in the research group(I-PT). Abductors' isometric strength of the fractured hip, abductor ratio% in the fractured compared to contralateral hip, and functional level were assessed at the 3rd (postintervention) and 6th (followup) months. Results: Postintervention, abductors' isometric strength was 35.7% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 2.5% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. With regard to functional assessments, I-PT group was 29.1% faster during Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and achieved a 26.7% higher Lower Extremity Functional Scale Greek version's (LEFS-Greek) total score, compared to S-PT group (P < 0.0005). At followup, abductors' isometric strength was 37.0% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 7.1% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. In addition, I-PT group was 45.9% faster during TUG test (P < 0.0005) and achieved an 11.2% higher LEFS-Greek total score, compared to S-PT group (P = 0.013). Conclusions: Compared to the standard physiotherapy intervention, the intensive abductor-strengthening program significantly increased both abductors' isometric strength of the fractured hip and abductor ratio% and resulted in patients' enhanced functional level. Clinical Trial Identifier: ISRCTN30713542.

Outcomes of core decompression with or without nonvascularized fibular grafting in avascular necrosis of femoral head: Short term followup study Sumanth Lakshminarayana, Ish Kumar Dhammi, Anil K Jain, Himanshu Bhayana, Sapan Kumar, Rahul Anshuman Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):420-425 Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head usually occurs in the third to fifth decade. The treatment options depend on the stage of disease varying from nonoperative treatment to surgical procedure including core decompression (CD) with or without nonvascularized or vascularized fibular graft, muscle pedicle bone grafting, osteotomies, and arthroplasty. Finite life of the total hip arthroplasty (THA) prosthesis limits its use in young adults or in middle aged. In this study, we envisage to evaluate the clinicoradiological outcomes of CD and nonvascularized fibular grafting in early stages of AVN femoral head. Materials and Methods: Our study is longitudinal observational study including 76 hips (46 patients) in the age group of 18–48 years (mean 30.07 years). Ficat and Arlet staging system was used and only early stages, that is, Stage 1 (n = 36 hips) and Stage 2 (n = 40 hips) were included in the study. The cases with traumatic AVN were excluded. All patients in Stage 1 underwent CD (Group 1) and those in Stage 2 underwent CD and fibular grafting (Group 2). Preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS), visual analog score (VAS), plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared with serial postoperative HHS, VAS, plain radiographs, and MRI taken at different intervals. Results: Average period of followup was 53.5 months (44–63 months). Radiological progression was not seen in 55 hips out of 76 hips (72.3%), whereas 21 hips (27.6%) demonstrated signs of progression and collapse. Failure of surgery was defined as progression of the disease, which was 25% (n = 9) in Group 1and 30% (n = 12) Group 2. Median values of HHS at the end of the followup in Group 1 was 77 and in Group 2 was 71.5 compared to the preoperative HHS of 48 and 62 in Group 1 and 2, respectively. Median values of VAS at the end of the followup in Stage 1 was 0 and in Stage 2 was 2 compared to the preoperative VAS of 6 and 8 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Conclusion: CD with or without fibular grafting is effective in preserving the sphericity of the femoral head and to delay the progression of the AVN of femoral head in the early stages, that is, Stage 1 and Stage 2 and aids in the early revascularization of ischemic femoral head and is a useful modality to negate or delay the requirement of THA.

The effect of renal transplantation in end-stage renal failure patients undergoing total hip replacement Winston Shang Rong Lim, Kelvin Guoping Tan, Andy Khye Soon Yew, Seng Jin Yeo Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):426-430 Background: Patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) undergoing elective orthopedic surgery generally have higher postoperative morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Studies on the outcome of ESRF patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR), especially those with a functioning renal transplant, are conflicting. We aim to evaluate the impact of renal transplantation on functional outcome and postoperative complications in patients with ESRF undergoing THR. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 primary THRs were performed in 25 patients with ESRF between 1999 and 2013. There were 12 patients with 14 THRs who had a functioning renal transplant at the time of surgery (transplant group), and 13 patients with 15 THRs who were dialysis dependent with either no or failed prior transplant (nontransplant group). Functional outcome was evaluated with the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Clinical records and followup radiographs were used to evaluate postoperative complications. Results: There is lower mortality rate (P = 0.02) and lower overall complication rate in the transplant group compared to the nontransplant group (relative risk 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.91, P = 0.008). The mean increase in OHS postoperatively was greater in the nontransplant group (nontransplant-24.7; transplant-18.7) and trended toward statistical significance (P = 0.06). Conclusion: ESRF patients who undergo THR experience improvements in functional outcome regardless of transplant status. There was no significant difference in postoperative functional outcomes between the two groups of patients, but patients with renal transplants are less likely to experience postoperative complications and have better survival.

The international knee documentation committee score indicates midterm patient satisfaction with outcomes after meniscal allograft transplantation Jeong Ku Ha, Yoon Seok Kim, Min Soo Kwon, Kyu Sung Chung, Sang Bum Kim, Jin Goo Kim Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):431-436 Background: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with patient satisfaction with the outcome of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). Materials and Methods: Patients treated with MAT from March 2006 to May 2009 were asked to complete a five-point Likert scale regarding satisfaction with the outcome of MAT, in addition to the following subjective outcome evaluation forms: the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective forms, Knee Society Score knee and function forms, and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. We collected radiologic data using X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging and assessed isokinetic muscle strength test using the Biodex System 3. We investigated whether these parameters were significantly associated with patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was computed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Among the 130 patients who underwent MAT, 49 participated in the interview and were included in this study. The mean followup period was 50.4 months. Mean patient age was 40 (±9) years; 33 were male and 16 were female (33%). The lateral meniscus was transplanted in 13 (27%) patients, while the medial meniscus was involved in 36 (73%) patients. On univariate analysis, sex and isokinetic extension strength deficit at 60° and 180° as well as the IKDC, Knee Society, and Lysholm scores showed significant association with patient satisfaction regarding the outcome. On multivariable logistic regression, only the IKDC score showed a significant association, with P = 0.04. Conclusions: The study results support the importance of patient-reported subjective outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction following a surgical procedure. Regarding MAT, the IKDC outcome score reflects patient satisfaction. Level of evidence: Level III.

Temporal value of c-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate after total knee arthroplasty in patients with elevated preoperative c-reactive protein: A matched-pair analysis Seung Ah Lee, Seung-Baik Kang, Chan Yoon, Chong Bum Chang, Moon Jong Chang, Jai Gon Seo Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 2019 53(3):437-441 Background: We aimed to determine whether temporal values of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) differ between patients with and without elevated preoperative CRP. We hypothesized that temporal pattern of CRP and ESR change would differ between the two groups. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 30 TKAs with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis with elevated preoperative CRP (>1 mg/dl) without clinical signs and symptoms of infection before surgery (elevated CRP group). Patients without elevated preoperative CRP were matched in a 1:10 fashion according to age, sex, number of comorbidities and whether TKA was unilateral or bilateral (nonelevated CRP group). The temporal values of CRP and ESR after TKA were compared between the two groups until 2 months after surgery. Results: The mean peak values of CRP and ESR after surgery were similar between the two groups in both unilateral and bilateral TKAs. In the unilateral TKA, mean values of CRP and ESR and the proportions of the knees with normal CRP and ESR at 2 months after surgery were similar in the two groups. However, in the bilateral TKA, mean values of CRP and ESR were higher and the proportions of the knees with normal CRP and ESR at 2 months after surgery were lower in the elevated CRP group compared to the nonelevated CRP group. Conclusions: When performing TKA in patients with elevated preoperative CRP, the fact that the levels of CRP and ESR may not be normalized until 2 months after surgery should be considered during followup.