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Background: Osteoarthritis of the hip (hip OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability in elderly people. If non-surgical therapies become ineffective, patients may consider total hip arthroplasty (THA). The biggest challenge in recommending a THA is identifying patients for whom the benefits of this procedure outweigh the potential risks. The aim of this initiative was to develop a clinical practice guideline with accompanying algorithm to guide consultations on THA, supported by a pocket-sized checklist. Methods: The initiative "Evidence- and consensus-based indication criteria for total hip replacement (EKIT-Hip)" used a stepwise approach, starting with an inauguration workshop, where a multidisciplinary German stakeholder panel from various scientific societies agreed on the working process. A Project Coordinating Group (PCG) was formed, and it performed a comprehensive systematic literature search of guidelines and systematic reviews related to the indication criteria for THA, as well as factors influencing outcomes. Based on best-available evidence, preliminary recommendations were formulated by the PCG and discussed with the stakeholder panel during a consensus meeting. In addition, the panel was asked to assess the feasibility of an extracted algorithm and to approve a final checklist. Results: In total, 31 recommendations were approved by 29 representatives of 23 societies. These were used to underpin an algorithm (EKIT-Algorithm), which indicates the minimum requirements for a THA (confirmed diagnosis of hip OA, present and documented individual burden of illness, ineffectiveness of non-surgical therapies, and absence of any contraindications). Once these criteria are fulfilled, further considerations should encompass the medical implications of modifiable risk factors and patients' individual treatment goals, as discussed during shared decision making. The subsequently developed checklist (EKIT-Checklist) lists relevant criteria for decision making. Conclusions: Adherence to the EKIT-Algorithm, conveniently accessed via the EKIT-Checklist, should improve the standardization of decision making leading to a recommendation for THA. By applying minimum requirements and patient-related risk factors, as well as considering patients' individual goals, it is possible to identify patients for whom the benefits of THA may exceed the potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knee arthroplasty is one of the most frequently performed operations in Germany, with approximately 170000 procedures per year. It is therefore essential that physicians should adhere to an appropriate, and patient-centered indication process. The updated guideline indication criteria for knee arthroplasty (EKIT-Knee) contain recommendations, which are based on current evidence and agreed upon by a broad consensus panel. For practical use, the checklist has also been updated.For this guideline update, a systematic literature research was conducted in order to analyse (inter-)national guidelines and systematic reviews focusing on osteoarthritis of the knee and knee arthroplasty, to answer clinically relevant questions on diagnostic, predictors of outcome, risk factors and contraindications.Knee arthroplasty should solely be performed in patients with radiologically proven moderate or severe osteoarthritis of the knee (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4), after previous non-surgical treatment for at least three months, in patients with high subjective burden with regard to knee-related complaints and after exclusion of possible contraindications (infection, comorbidities, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 ). Modifiable risk factors (such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, anaemia) should be addressed and optimised in advance. After meeting current guideline indications, a shared decision-making process between patients and surgeons is recommended, in order to maintain high quality surgical management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.The update of the S2k-guideline was expanded to include unicondylar knee arthroplasty, the preoperative optimisation of modifiable risk factors was added and the main indication criteria were specified., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) is the usual treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF) in elderly patients. Patients may be unsuitable for HA due to secondary conditions such as systemic infections or severe neurological conditions, which is why Girdlestone resection arthroplasty (GRA) may be an option. We aimed to determine (1) patient survival in matched patient groups treated with either GRA or HA and (2) functional outcomes., Patients and Methods: 21 patients treated with GRA for FNF in a German university hospital were retrospectively reviewed (2015-2019). After matching for age and comorbidities, a control group of 42 HA patients was established. Patient survival was determined by a Kaplan-Meier analysis. The mean follow-up (FU) was 1.5 (0-4.4) years. Function at FU was documented using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) mobility score., Results: The 1-month-mortality was 19% in the GRA group and 12% in the HA group; the 1-year mortality was 71% and 49%, respectively (P = 0.01). The mHHS at FU was lower in the GRA group than in the HA group (22 [range 0-50] vs. 46 [11-80]). 82% of patients in the GRA group were bedridden post-surgery as opposed to 19% in the HA group., Conclusion: Patients with HA after FNF had higher survival and better functional outcomes when compared with GRA in matched patient groups. Considering this, GRA for FNF should be selected restrictively.