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Infection is a serious complication of 0.2-0.7% of primary total hip arthroplasties (THA) and 1-22% of prosthetic revisions. The objective of our study was to compare two types of spacers (unipolar versus bipolar) for two-stage revisions of periprosthetic hip infections. The primary hypothesis was that bipolar spacers have fewer mechanical complications than unipolar spacers. The secondary hypothesis was that bipolar spacers decrease the rate of septic revisions and promote primary prosthesis reimplantation.This retrospective, monocentric, multi-operator study was carried out between January 2012 and July 2018, including patients operated on for septic arthritis of the native or prosthetic hip (two-stage procedure). The patients were divided into two groups: group A, including the articulated spacers and group B, including the unipolar spacers. We studied the complications of the spacers and the course of the infection over a minimum of two years. Functional status was assessed by the Postel Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score, the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and pre- and postoperative patient satisfaction scores.We collected data for 39 hips from 37 patients (mean age 63, 22 men and 14 women: 16 patients in group A, 21 in group B). We found no mechanical complications in group A versus 12 (52%) in group B. At 2 years, 93.8% of patients in group A no longer had any signs indicative of an active infection, compared with 71.4% in group B. In group A, the median PMA score increased from 5.5 (4-10.5) to 13.5 (12.5-15.5) and the HHS score from 27.5 (17-41.5) to 79 (64.5-89.5), postoperatively. In the final group B, the PMA score increased from 7 (6-9) to 14 (12-16) and the HHS score from 24 (11-41) to 72 (48-82) postoperatively.The use of articulated spacers in THA or septic THA two-stage revision significantly reduces the occurrence of mechanical complications in the short term, as well as the pain between the two procedures.IV.

Introduction The PFMR® proximal femoral modular reconstruction implant (Protek, Sulzer Orthopedics, Switzerland) is a straight modular stem in sanded titanium with press-fit anchorage, intended to achieve spontaneous bone reconstruction following Wagner's principle. The aim of the present study was to analyze long-term clinical and radiological outcome. Material and method A single-center retrospective study included 48 PFMR stems implanted in 47 patients between 1998 and 2002. Results in this series were previously reported at 7 years’ follow-up. Clinical assessment used PMA and Harris scores. Radiologic assessment focused on stem stability and osseointegration, and bone stock following Le Beguec. Results Twenty-three patients were seen at a mean 14.5 years’ follow-up (13 deceased, 11 lost to follow-up), including 1 with bilateral implants, i.e., 24 stems. PMA and Harris scores, stem stability and osseointegration and bone stock were stable with respect to the 7-year findings. Radiology found 7 stem fractures in the Morse taper, i.e., in 29% of implants. Two of these cases required femoral implant replacement; 5 were asymptomatic. Discussion and conclusion Long-term outcome for PFMR stems was clinically and radiologically satisfactory for the 16 patients free of mechanical complications. The Morse taper fracture rate was high, and higher than reported elsewhere. The usual risk factors for implant fracture were not found in the present series. The modular design of the press-fit revision implant is its weak point; monoblock implants should be used in patients with good life-expectancy. Level of evidence IV (retrospective study).

Background Ankle arthrodesis is a treatment of choice for advanced tibio-talar disease unresponsive to conservative treatment. Using arthroscopy to perform this procedure minimises soft-tissue trauma while providing similar outcomes to those of open surgery. Union rates have ranged across studies from 85% to 100%. The objective of this study was to assess the potential influence on union of the number of screws used for arthrodesis fixation. Hypothesis The working hypothesis was that using three screws for arthrodesis produced a higher union rate than did using only two screws. Material and methods This single-centre retrospective comparative study included 111 cases of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (in 108 patients) carried out between February 1994 and October 2012. The number of screws was two in 75 cases and three in 36 cases. Union was assessed on radiographs taken 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results Mean age at surgery was 55.8 years. After 12 months, union was achieved in 87.4% cases overall. The non-union rate was 16% with two screws and 5.6% with three screws. Three-screw fixation was associated with a significantly higher rate of union of the medial gutter after 6 months and of the lateral gutter after 12 months. Discussion Our findings support the use of three screws for fixation of arthroscopic tibio-talar arthrodesis. Adding a third screw seems associated with a lower risk of non-union and a shorter time to union. These effects can be ascribed to greater stability of the construct. Level of evidence Level IV, retrospective study.

BackgroundThe objective of this randomised trial was to compare surgical rotator cuff repair to simple decompression by acromioplasty and biceps tenotomy in patients older than 60years of age with a mean follow-up of 4years.HypothesisTendon repair produces better functional outcomes than simple decompression and prevents progression towards cuff tear arthropathy in the longer term.Patients and methodOf 130 initially included patients older than 60years of age and having rotator cuff tears deemed amenable to surgical repair, 103 (79%) were evaluated after a mean of 4years. These patients had been randomly allocated to acromioplasty and tenotomy (AT group, n=49) or to acromioplasty, tenotomy, and tendon suture (CR group, n=54). The tear was distal in 41 patients, intermediate in 40, and retracted in 22. At last follow-up, the evaluation included the clinical Constant's Score, radiographs and, in the CR group, ultrasonography.ResultsThe complication rate was 4%. The mean Constant Score was 44 preoperatively; values after 4years were 76 overall (P=0.01), 78 in the CR group, and 73 in the AT group (P=0.01). The tendon-healing rate as assessed using ultrasonography was 63%. The Constant Score was significantly better when tendon healing was achieved (82/73, P

Summary Introduction Displaced fractures of the femoral neck in the elderly are best treated with arthroplasty. The type of arthroplasty to be used, either hemi- or total hip arthroplasty, remains controversial as total hip replacements potentially have a higher rate of dislocation. Hypothesis Dual mobility cups have a low dislocation rate when used to manage acute fractures of the femoral neck. Patients and methods In a multicenter prospective study conducted in France over an inclusion time of 3 months, all displaced fractures of the femoral neck treated with arthroplasty were operated on with insertion of a dual mobility cup. Patients had clinical and radiological assessment at 3, 6, and 9 months postoperative. Results Two hundred and fourteen hips in 214 patients with a mean age of 83 years (range, 70–103 years) were included. None of the patients was lost to follow-up. The mortality rate after 9 months was 19%. Two patients (1%) had early postoperative infection successfully treated with lavage and antibiotics. Three patients (1.4%), operated through a posterior approach, presented one postoperative dislocation, all of which were posterior. Reduction was performed through closed external manipulation under general anesthesia. There was no recurrence of dislocation. Discussion This low rate of dislocation after acute total hip replacement using dual mobility design cups favorably compares with hemiarthroplasties. Dual mobility cups might therefore be considered a valuable option to prevent postoperative dislocation when treating displaced intracapsular fractures of the proximal femur in elderly patients if a total hip replacement is recommended. Further study is needed before extending the indications for total hip arthroplasty following a fracture of the femoral neck, to assess the potential cost and complications of a longer procedure with its potential acetabular complication, and weigh them against the potential benefits. Level of evidence Level III prospective, case study.

Summary Introduction The principal study objective was to compare clinical results for arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear and acromioplasty-tenotomy in patients aged over 60 years. Hypotheses Repair provides better clinical results than isolated acromioplasty-tenotomy. Shoulder function is improved when healing is obtained. Patients and methods One hundred and forty-two patients aged over 60 years (mean age, 67 years) presenting with reparable supraspinatus tear, extending to a greater or lesser degree to the infraspinatus, agreed to take part in a randomized prospective study. Fifteen were excluded from statistical analysis. All underwent acromioplasty and biceps tenotomy. They were randomly assigned to arthroscopic rotator-cuff repair (CR group) or not (AT group). The principal evaluation criterion was mean weighted Constant score at one year's follow-up. Healing in the CR group was assessed on ultrasound at one year. Results The complications rate was 7.9%. Mean weighted Constant score was significantly better in group CR: 75.8%, versus 68.8% in AT. In the CR group, the 1-year healing rate was 67.6%. Healing significantly impacted mean weighted Constant score: 80% with healing, versus 66.9% in iterative tearing. Whatever the size of the tear, mean weighted Constant score was significantly better in patients with than without (no repair or iterative tear) tendon healing. Discussion The study demonstrated the interest of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients aged over 60 years. The benefit of repair compared to isolated acromioplasty-tenotomy depended on tendon healing. Level of evidence Randomized prospective study, level II.

Summary Introduction Secondary subsidence of a revision femoral stem is often a negative predictive sign for successful osseointegration and perfect long-term stability. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective study in a series of 183 revision total hip replacements between 1996 and 2000 to evaluate the importance and risk factors of secondary subsidence with a cementless press-fit design femoral stem as well as this subsidence's consequences to osseointegration. Results Secondary subsidence did not occur in 80 cases (53%), was between 0 and 4 mm in 41 cases (27%); between 5 and 10 mm in 17 cases (12%) and was greater than 10 mm in 12 cases (8%). Mean subsidence of all patients was 3 mm (0–30). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between subsidence and the quality of osseointegration ( P = 0.03). There was no significant relationship between component diameter and stem subsidence ( P = 0.9). The presence of preoperative bone deficiencies did not increase the risk of secondary subsidence ( P = 0.2). Conclusion In the case of revision with press-fit stems, the importance of secondary subsidence should not be overestimated, because it usually does not negatively affect satisfactory osseointegration. Level of evidence Level IV. Prospective study.

SummaryProximal humerus fracture devascularizing the humeral head may require management by prosthesis. Hemiarthroplasty is a logical attitude in such cases, but analysis of functional results and complications has identified a certain number of risk factors limiting indications. Strict analysis of patient characteristics and of fracture type is an essential prerequisite to deciding against treatment by immobilization or osteosynthesis. Results in hemiarthroplasty are primarily dependent on respecting the rules of the art, which aim at stable anatomic osteosynthesis of the surrounding structures so as to restore normal shoulder function. The critical steps are the adjustment of implant height and retroversion, reduction and fixation of tuberosities and good management of the postoperative course. The recent development of fracture-dedicated shoulder implants should improve results. In elderly patients, when local conditions are unsuitable to hemiarthroplasty, a reverse prosthesis may be used, with an adapted surgical technique. Whatever the type of prosthesis, implantation for proximal humerus fracture is a demanding operation with definitive impact on the functional evolution of the shoulder.

SummaryIntroductionTreatment of acetabular loosening and accompanying bone defects requires that the bone stock be rebuilt, the primary stability ensured, and the hip center of rotation restored to its anatomical location.HypothesisAcetabular reconstruction using morselized allograft and a reinforcement ring will meet these requirements and ensure medium-term survival.Patients and methodsA retrospective study was performed on 95 acetabular revision cases (95 patients) performed between 1987 and 1995. The average age at revision was 69.5 years (42 to 86 years). Among these acetabular loosening cases, 12 cases had a type II Paprosky acetabular bone defect and 83 cases had a type III defect.ResultsThe average follow-up was 8 years (5 to 13 years). There were seven post-operative dislocations, three deep infections, and two cases of repeated acetabular loosening. The cumulative survival rate at 14 years was 77.9% (95% CI: 61.96% to 93.84%). The average Postel Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score improved from 8 (range 6–11) preoperatively to 14.8 (range 8–18) at follow-up; the Harris score improved from 35.3 (range 11–52) to 71.1 (range 40–94) (P