Surgical Techniques
Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention for an Early Periprosthetic Infection After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Technical Note
Early periprosthetic joint infection in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is shown to have a detrimental effect on the success of UKA surgery not only because of the sequences of the infection but also due to the other healthy lateral compartment. It is well known that Oxford meniscal bearing UKA is a very precise procedure that the use of any excessive force may have an injurious effect on the future prosthesis stability with a higher risk of bearing dislocation. This technical note aims at describing how to deal with a case of early periprosthetic joint infection in a female patient who underwent debridement, wash, implant retention and change of the mobile bearing insert including the demonstration of a difficult step during this procedure.Direct Anterior Cup-Half Cage for Revision and Complex Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Surgical Technique
As surgeons' comfort with the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty continues to increase, there is a growing interest in performing complex surgeries through this approach. Acetabular bone loss and/or pelvic discontinuity in the primary or revision setting often requires specialized implants such as a cup-cage construct. We describe our surgical technique for implanting modified cup-half cages through the DAA and show 2 case examples of how this technique was utilized in the setting of complex acetabular bone loss.Utilizing a Prefabricated Antibiotic-Impregnated Articular Spacer Combined With an Intramedullary Device for Significant Femoral Bone Loss in Periprosthetic Hip Infection
Periprosthetic joint infection can be a devastating complication following total hip arthroplasty, which often requires a lengthy treatment course that is fraught with complications. There are various types of antibiotic-impregnated spacers that can be used to treat periprosthetic hip infections, with articulating spacers being utilized frequently with the goal of preserving patient range of motion and functionality. Many of these articulating spacers have pre-set sizes and stem options, which accommodate the majority of patients.Tibial Tubercle Screw Fixation on Custom Metaphyseal Cone: Surgical Tip in Severe Metaphyseal Tibia Bone Loss
Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) facilitates exposure in knee arthroplasty revision. However, it comes with complications, especially if it invades the intramedullary canal. Most revisions are characterized by compromised femur and/or tibia bone stock, and the use of metaphyseal cones or sleeves for implant fixation has become increasingly frequent. Several methods of fixation of the tibial tubercle have been proposed, such as screw fixation, cerclage wiring, and suture repair. Despite screws providing the strongest fixation for TTO, their placement around a tibial intramedullary stem or a metaphyseal tibial cone may be difficult.Flip Autograft Technique for Anterolateral Femoral Deficiency in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Anterolateral bone loss of the femur within the trochlear groove presents a unique and rare issue in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Unlike distal and posterior femur bone loss for which most contemporary TKA systems have modular augments, the same does not exist for anterolateral bone loss. We present a technique in which a patient’s host bone from the standard distal femoral cuts was used to augment and provide a stable base for cementing of final femoral implants. Currently, the patient has 3-year follow-up with excellent results in terms of pain control with no evidence of component failure on the most recent radiographs.Computer-Aided Surgery-Navigated, Functional Alignment Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Surgical Technique
The decision on which technique to use to perform a total knee arthroplasty has become much more complicated over the last decade. The shortfalls of mechanical alignment and kinematic alignment has led to the development of a new alignment philosophy, functional alignment. Functional alignment uses preoperative radiographic measurements, computer-aided surgery, and intraoperative assessment of balance, to leave the patient with the most “normal” knee kinematics achievable with minimal soft-tissue release.A Modified Surgical Technique of Patellar Tendon Reconstruction in Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Achilles Tendon Allograft
Patellar tendon disruption is one of the most dreaded complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) impacting joint function and implant longevity. Management of this condition remains controversial, and no one treatment has provided consistent clinical success. Here we propose a modified technique from the standard Achilles allograft procedure to reconstruct a ruptured patellar tendon after TKA. A fresh-frozen Achilles tendon allograft with attached calcaneal bone graft was used. Our technique offers the advantage of a more stable graft fixation by relying on both quadriceps tendon and transosseous patellar fixation and bone-to-bone allograft fixation to the tibial tuberosity.Development of a Self-made Cement Bead Maker and Its Clinical Application for the Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement beads have a large surface area and excellent sustained-release properties. However, there are some difficulty manufacturing reasonably sized beads and their careful handling. We developed a self-made cement bead maker using a mold of a sphere with a diameter of 8 and 10 mm with a 2-mm-diameter connecting hole. With this instrument, approximately 32 beads can be made from 40 g of bone cement. We clinically applied this technique to 11 cases of periprosthetic joint infection.Variability of Sagittal Plane Proximal Tibial Morphology and Its Effect on Stem Placement in Total Knee Arthroplasty
The tibial joint line is offset posteriorly relative to the tibial sagittal anatomic axis. This can have consequences when using stemmed implants during total knee arthroplasty. We retrospectively analyzed native knee lateral radiographs in 100 patients. The distance between the sagittal anatomic axis and the center of a simulated tibial resection was calculated as a percentage of overall tibial width. Analysis of 5 manufacturers’ baseplates showed that the tibial stem attached on average 10% anterior to the midline.Modular Total Femur Replacement for Staged Total Femur Replacement
As the numbers of arthroplasties performed worldwide increase, so do complications such as prosthetic joint infection. Cases that require a two-stage revision of a total femur replacement in the femur pose an ongoing challenge to the modern orthopedic surgeon. Unlike antibiotic spacers in hip and knee arthroplasty, there lacks a commercially available cement spacer for use in total femur replacements. We describe a novel technique for the intraoperative fabrication of a total femur spacer which uses modular components.Removing Well-Fixed, Collared and Noncollared Tapered Hip Stems Without an Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy Using a Novel Stem Removal System
Improvements in materials, components, and surgical techniques in cementless total hip arthroplasty are resulting in improved femoral stem fixation through bony ongrowth or ingrowth. While improved femoral stem fixation is one reason for the current excellent total hip survivorship, indications for stem removal such as infection, implant fracture, or osteolysis remain. A commonly used technique for fully ingrown femoral stems is an extended trochanteric osteotomy which can result in comminuted fractures of the proximal femur during stem removal requiring additional fixation.A Modified Technique for Artificial Fusion in Unreconstructable Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty
Knee arthrodesis is an acceptable treatment that leads to a stable joint with a lower rate of recurrence of infection in periprosthetic joint infections. One of the major problems in some revision cases is the bone loss that interferes with the bony union; therefore, some studies suggest artificial arthrodesis, which does not require bony union. The present descriptive retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients with periprosthetic joint infection complications.Saddle to Incision Relationship: A Novel Approach to Localizing the Incision for Direct Anterior Hip Arthroplasty
The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty has grown in popularity over the last decade. Incision for this approach is often based on a standardized distance from the anterior superior iliac spine. Despite this method, wound complications remain a known complication during direct anterior approach. We describe a simple and reproducible technique using fluoroscopy to identify the incision during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. This method allows for accurate placement of incision while adding only a minimal amount of time to the procedure.Surgical Technique of a Cement-On-Cement Removal System for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Revision Surgery
Cement removal during hip or knee arthroplasty revision surgery is technically demanding and prone to severe complications such as periprosthetic fractures, incomplete cement removal, or perforations. Several alternative techniques have been developed to enable complete, accurate, and safe removal of cement from bone, including osteotomies and cortical windows, endoscopic instruments, ultrasound devices, lithotripsy, and laser-assisted removal. We describe a cement-on-cement technique with a sterile, single-use tool for cement removal.Safety and Efficacy of Using Fracture Tables for Prosthetic Hip Dislocations
The incidence of prosthetic hip dislocation continues to increase because of the overall increase in volume of total hip replacement surgery. Closed reduction is often the preferred treatment, particularly in the first few months after surgery. No matter the closed reduction technique, linear traction is a requirement, thus posing a physically demanding stress opening both surgeon and patient to potential injury. We describe a fracture table closed reduction technique along with outcomes and safety data for a sample of patients.Conversion of Hip Arthrodesis Using Robotic Arm Technology
Recent advancements in computer-assisted surgery have led to a renewed interest in robotic-assisted hip arthroplasty. This technology assists with component position which is especially useful in prior trauma or dysplasia cases. We present a case of a surgical hip fusion conversion to total hip arthroplasty with the use of robotic-assisted technology. Enhanced preoperative planning with the ability to manipulate implant position before execution can be invaluable during complex procedures. Further research is warranted before revision cases using computerized navigation systems becomes more prevalent.Technical Note for Transfemoral Implantation of Tapered Revision Stems. The Advantage to Stay Short
The aim was to test the hypothesis that during transfemoral implantation of a conical revision stem, the fixation of the stem at the distal tip leads to a low rate of periprosthetic fractures.Use of Fulcrum Positioning as a Balancing Tool During Total Knee Arthroplasty on a Robotic Platform
Total knee arthroplasty is a common procedure performed to improve pain and dysfunction attributed to arthritis, yet postoperative patient dissatisfaction rates remain relatively high. Patient satisfaction and outcomes have been linked to successful joint gap balancing in the coronal and sagittal planes intraoperatively. In previously described balancing techniques, the fulcrum used for alignment changes is customarily centered on the intramedullary axis generating symmetric changes in medial and lateral gaps.Complex Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Small Stems for Big Challenges
Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine. Femoral deformities from malunion, prior osteotomy, and retained surgical implants all present unique challenges. Corrective osteotomy and hardware removal add significant morbidity to an operation that typically has a fast recovery. Short stems can be used in these cases to spare patients' increased morbidity. We present a case-based illustration and surgical technique for the use of short stems in complex primary total hip arthroplasty with femoral deformity and retained hardware.Single-Sided Reciprocating Saw for Tibial Component Removal During Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty
Revision total knee arthroplasty often necessitates removing well-fixed components. Tibial tray removal is challenging becaue of 1) physical barriers posed by the component pegs, keel, or stem in accessing the implant-bone interface circumferentially and 2) proximity of vulnerable structures including the patellar tendon, collateral ligaments, popliteal artery, and distal femur. In this report, we present a step-by-step technique for removal of a well-fixed tibial component using a single-sided reciprocating saw.What to Do When Revision Procedures Fail to Prevent Recurrent Hip Dislocation in THA? A Novel Simple Technique for Selected Patients
Failure to achieve postoperative stability is disappointing for both surgeons and patients after revision total hip arthroplasty. In particular, when available revision options have been exhausted. We describe our modification of previously reported surgical techniques without revising any component in a high-risk female patient with persistent hip dislocation despite multiple cup revisions using different implants. To stabilize the hip through the posterolateral approach, a synthetic polyethylene tube was used.The Value of the Direct Lateral Hip Radiograph in an Adult Reconstruction Practice
The specialty evaluation of hip pain, stiffness, and/or dysfunction usually includes patient history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. Radiographic views of the hip are not standardized, and basic studies may include an anteroposterior pelvis, anteroposterior hip, frog lateral, and direct lateral of the hip. In this article, we discuss the importance of obtaining a direct lateral radiograph of the hip in all patients being evaluated by a specialist for hip pain and its value in hip arthroplasty care.Protection of the Femoral Trunnion During Acetabular Revision Hip Surgery—A Novel Technique
Revision of a failed acetabular component in the presence of an intact femoral prosthesis comprises approximately 20% of revision total hip replacements performed by the senior author. During this procedure, the femoral trunnion is at risk of damage because of scratching from retractors, reamers, or other instruments. Scratching can result in mechanically assisted crevice corrosion or adverse local-tissue reaction or trunnionosis leading to implant failure. We have used a variety of techniques for protection of the femoral taper over the last 30 years.Robotic-Arm Assistance Simplifies Hip Arthrodesis Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty
Hip fusion takedown to total hip replacement is a challenging operation. Neck osteotomy and acetabular component placement are technically demanding and often require fluoroscopic guidance. Robotic arm–assisted total hip arthroplasty enhances accuracy of preoperative planning and provides navigated guidance for neck osteotomy and haptic guidance on acetabular reaming and cup implantation. Fluoroscopic guidance is replaced by real-time navigation and on-screen data. This article describes how robotic arm assistance can simplify this complex operation.Balanced, Stemmed, and Augmented Articulating Total Knee Spacer Technique
Explantation and placement of an antibiotic spacer is a well-recognized treatment for periprosthetic infection after total knee replacement. Although static spacers may be occasionally indicated, many patients benefit from an articulating spacer that preserves the function and range of motion. However, many articulating spacer techniques provide an imbalanced cement-on-cement articulating knee that cannot tolerate full weight-bearing or provide adequate stability for daily function. A more durable articulating spacer may be ideal by permitting unrestricted weight-bearing, a functional range of motion, and potentially delayed reimplantation for medically complex patients.
