Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research最新文献

Background: The endoscopic direct anterior approach (Endo-DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) aims to minimize soft-tissue trauma and accelerate recovery. Whether adding a disposable wound protector can further reduce early muscle injury and enhance recovery remains unclear. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of wound protector use on biological, clinical, and functional outcomes after Endo-DAA THA.

Methods: Seventy-six patients undergoing primary Endo-DAA THA were prospectively randomized (1:1) to either a wound protector or control group. The only intraoperative difference between groups was the use of a wound protector. The primary outcome was serum creatine kinase (CK) at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included serum myoglobin at 6 h, C-reactive protein at 24 h, pain visual analog scale (VAS) during activity, independent ambulation within 12 h, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) symptoms, wound complications and satisfaction, and functional scores using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The wound protector group had significantly lower postoperative CK (422.5 vs. 665.5 U/L; median difference: -228.0; 95% CI: -354.0 to -109.0; P < 0.001), myoglobin (299.9 vs. 481.2 ng/mL; P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (30.3 vs. 45.1 mg/L; P = 0.024). Pain scores were lower at 12 and 24 h, and more patients achieved independent ambulation within 12 h (86.8% vs. 55.3%; risk ratio [RR]: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.16; P = 0.002). Fewer wound complications (7.8% vs. 34.2%; RR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.75; P = 0.005) and LFCN symptoms (36.8% vs. 65.7%; P = 0.012) were observed. Early functional scores were higher in the protector group, while midterm outcomes were similar.

Conclusions: In Endo-DAA THA, the use of a disposable wound protector significantly reduced early muscle injury and systemic inflammation, alleviated immediate postoperative pain, facilitated earlier mobilization, and enhanced early wound healing and functional recovery without increasing operative time or hospital stay. These benefits were primarily observed during the early postoperative phase, which aligns with the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300076225. Registered on September 27, 2023.

Purpose: To explore the clinical significance of the artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted three-dimensional (3D) planning system AI-HIP in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and evaluate its accuracy and efficacy in clinical practice.

Methods: Preoperative planning was done using the AI-HIP system in the AI group and two-dimensional (2D) template measurements in the conventional group. The two groups were compared for postoperative radiographic results, perioperative monitoring indicators, and the degree of consistency between preoperative planning and actual implant size. Postoperative Harris scores, hip joint range of motion (ROM), and Barthel index were used to evaluate clinical effectiveness.

Results: None of the patients who ultimately completed the 6-months follow-up experienced adverse events such as hip dislocation and infection during follow-up. Compared to the conventional group, the AI group had significantly higher Harris scores (P = 0.026), hip ROM (P = 0.018), Barthel index (P = 0.042) at 6 months postoperatively, and conformity rates of the acetabular (P = 0.001) and femoral components (P < 0.001) between intraoperative application of prosthesis model and preoperative planning. Additionally, the AI group had significantly shorter operation time (P = 0.041), less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.012), and smaller discrepancy between bilateral acetabular offset (P = 0.032) and vertical distance of hip center of rotation (P = 0.011). However, no statistically significant intergroup differences were observed for the acetabular abduction angle, anteversion angle, femoral offset and leg length discrepancy.

Conclusion: Preoperative planning for THA using the AI-HIP system has a high accuracy rate and allows for effective reconstruction of the rotation center and acetabular offset, reduction of surgical time, and early recovery of joint function. Further research is needed to confirm its potential clinical value.

Clinical registration number: ChiCTR210004826, Date:28/03/2021, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html? proj=52846.

Background/objectives: Patients suffering from Worker's Compensation (WC) injuries typically demonstrate poorer outcomes despite optimal surgical management. In the occupational setting, shoulder pathology is the most implicated musculoskeletal disease. We recently described the Human Disharmony Loop (HDL), a clinical model of chronic, historically intractable pain of the neck, upper back, shoulder, and arm (Sharma and Friedman in Clin Med 14(5):1769, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051769; Sharma et al. in J Clin Med 14(16):5650, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165650; Friedman et al. in PLoS ONE 20(10):e0326815, 2025). Specifically, the asymmetric lower trunk innervation to the pectoralis minor (PM) can deform the scapula's numerous connections and derange the full anatomy of the upper limb girdle, often after trauma. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our cohort of Workers' Compensation patients (WCP) who met HDL diagnostic criteria and underwent treatment consisting of pectoralis minor release with infraclavicular neurolysis (PM + ICN). We hypothesize that WCP evaluated and treated for the HDL would show decreased pain, increased shoulder function, and a high rate of return to work.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive WCP meeting HDL criteria treated via PM + ICN. 6-month follow-up minimum was required. Outcomes included self-reported pain and headaches, shoulder range of motion, presence of neuropathy on exam, and return to work (RTW).

Results: 36 patients were included. Average age was 48, sex was 61% male. Median follow-up was 10 months. Median preoperative pain was 8/10, headache prevalence was 69%, shoulder abduction was 90 degrees. Following treatment, median postoperative pain was 3/10, headache prevalence was 14%, and shoulder abduction was 180 degrees. 86% of patients returned to work. 25% required secondary neurolysis of the axillary, radial, cubital, and/or median nerves for persistent neuropathy.

Conclusions: In WCP who meet HDL criteria, PM + ICN provides significant clinical improvement in terms of dramatic reductions in pain and high rates of RTW. WCP with refractory pain preventing RTW should be evaluated and treated for the HDL.

Background: Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears (MMPRTs) are known to accelerate medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic all-suture anchor (ASA) repair combined with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for patients with medial compartment OA and MMPRTs, offering a potential new surgical approach for this condition.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 36 patients undergoing arthroscopic ASA repair combined with HTO for medial compartment OA with MMPRTs at our institution between June 2022 and June 2023. All patients underwent second-look arthroscopy during hardware removal. We collected demographic data (age, sex, affected side, duration of symptoms, complications), preoperative and postoperative Tegner activity scores, Lysholm scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS). Radiographic comparisons (pre- and post-op) included Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS). Medial meniscus extrusion rate (MMER) was also assessed. At second-look arthroscopy, the healing status of the medial meniscus posterior root was evaluated. Patients were subgrouped based on root healing status to examine correlations with clinical scores, MMER, K-L grade, and symptom duration.

Results: The cohort comprised 30 females (83.3%) and 6 males (16.7%), with a mean age of 59 years. Mean follow-up was 24.8 ± 2.4 months. Significant improvements were observed in all final scores: Lysholm (46.58 ± 16.04 to 79.08 ± 14.29), IKDC (37.08 ± 14.57 to 65.81 ± 12.33), KOOS total scores (116.50 ± 26.13 to 65.89 ± 15.50), and Tegner (1.00 ± 1.27 to 2.33 ± 1.15) (all P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences between healed and non-healed groups regarding Lysholm, IKDC, KOOS, Tegner scores, symptom duration, or K-L grade. No complications (infection, nonunion, neurovascular issues) occurred by final follow-up.

Conclusion: ASA repair combined with HTO provides significant short-term improvement in clinical outcomes for MMPRTs with medial compartment OA. However, meniscal root healing did not correlate with clinical improvement, suggesting mechanical realignment plays a primary role.

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) has been a long-established and accepted technique for the treatment of lateral malleolar fractures. However, minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) may be preferred in cases with compromised soft tissue conditions or in the presence of comorbidities. MIPPO is increasingly being used in the treatment of long bone fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of the MIPPO technique for lateral malleolus fractures with those of ORIF.

Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study analysed patients who underwent surgery for lateral malleolus fractures treated with ORIF or MIPPO between the years 2022 and 2024. The study included patients with lateral malleolus fractures of Danis-Weber types B and C requiring surgical intervention. Postoperative pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, hospital stay, surgical time, fluoroscopy time, and radiological measurements were compared.

Results: The study included 68 patients (ORIF n = 34, MIPPO n = 34). The minimum follow-up for all the patients was 12 months and maximum was 24 months with a mean of 18,20 months postoperatively. The postoperative pain scores at 8 h (p = 0.001), 24 h (p < 0.001) and 2 weeks (p = 0.003) were lower in the MIPPO group. Pain scores were similar between the preoperative measurement and those observed at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. AOFAS scores were similar between both groups at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Surgical time and the postoperative hospitalisation period were shorter in the MIPPO group (p < 0.001, p = 0.005). A higher level of fluoroscopy exposure was observed in the MIPPO group (p = 0.001). Similar results were obtained in radiological measurements between groups.

Conclusion: The MIPPO technique leads to lower pain scores in the short term, shorter surgery times, and earlier discharge. In the long term, it provides similar clinical, functional, and radiological results to those obtained with ORIF.

Background: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has proven to be an effective strategy for postoperative pain management in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, its implementation requires specialized equipment and expertise, which limits its reproducibility. The objective of this study was to describe the technique of direct visualization-guided PENG block (PENG-DV) and assess its outcomes for postoperative pain control.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent THA through a direct anterior approach (DAA) and received the PENG-DV block as part of a standardized multimodal analgesia protocol. Demographic variables, pain score on the visual analogue scale (VAS), opioid consumption, muscle strength, and ambulation within the first 24 h were evaluated.

Results: Of the 128 patients identified, 112 were included in the analysis. The cohort was predominantly female (60.7%), with a mean age of 63 years. The median postoperative VAS score was 2 and 3 at 12 and 24 h respectively, increasing to 5 during physical therapy. By postoperative day one, 83.9% of patients ambulated, and most achieved muscle strength ≥ 3 for both hip flexion and knee extension. A total of 54.5% of patients required opioid rescue, with a mean morphine equivalent consumption of 10 mg within the first 24 h.

Conclusion: PENG-DV for THA via DAA appears to be a promising strategy for effective pain control in the immediate postoperative period, as part of a multimodal analgesic approach designed to reduce opioid consumption and promote early mobilization.

Objective: Surgical site infections (SSIs) particularly periprosthetic joint infection (PJI, a deep/organ-space infection) remain devastating after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Because routine systemic perioperative antibiotics are standard of care, we focused on the added value of intrawound (local) prophylaxis. We evaluated whether intrawound antibiotics, used in addition to standard systemic prophylaxis, reduce infection after THA and explored effects across surgery type (primary vs. revision).

Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM (January 2010 to final search) for cohort studies comparing intrawound antibiotic prophylaxis + standard systemic prophylaxis versus standard systemic prophylaxis alone. We systematically searched studies published since 2010 to include the most recent and relevant data, ensuring that the research included reflects modern surgical techniques, standardized reporting, and advancements in the use of intrawound antibiotics. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias; meta-analysis used RevMan 5.3.

Results: Eight cohort studies (n = 16,939) met criteria. Heterogeneity for PJI was low (Chi² = 7.57, df = 7, P = 0.37; I² = 8%). Intrawound prophylaxis plus systemic prophylaxis was associated with lower PJI risk than systemic prophylaxis alone (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30-0.58, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed consistent benefit in both primary and revision THA (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20-0.47, P < 0.00001; I² = 0%). Superficial incisional SSI (skin/subcutaneous) showed no significant difference (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.10-1.66, P = 0.92), and adverse events did not differ significantly (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.45-1.78, P = 0.75). Funnel plots suggested possible publication bias.

Conclusion: There is limited evidence, with a possible risk of publication bias, suggesting that intrawound (local) antibiotic prophylaxis, when added to standard systemic antibiotics, may be associated with reduced postoperative PJI after THA across primary and revision procedures. Evidence for superficial SSI and safety remains limited by few contributing studies. Standardized, head-to-head randomized trials are needed to define optimal regimens (agent, dose, timing) and long-term safety (including antimicrobial resistance).

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and disabling joint condition that requires accurate assessment for effective management. Variability in radiographic classification of OA severity can impact diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions. This study evaluates the interobserver reliability of radiographic grading systems for hip and knee OA severity.

Methods: This retrospective study included 576 patients diagnosed with hip or knee OA between 2016 and 2023 who underwent radiographic evaluation. Radiographs were independently scored by three orthopaedic surgeons and three radiologists using established classification systems (Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L), Croft for hip; K-L, Ahlbäck, Brandt and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) for knee OA). Interobserver agreement was assessed using kappa statistics.

Results: A total of 296 hip OA patients (mean age 69.5 ± 8.7, 62% female, 67% underwent surgery) and 280 knee OA patients (mean age 69.8 ± 8.4 years, 41% female, 53% underwent surgery) were assessed. For hip OA, interobserver agreement was moderate using K-L (κ = 0.552) and Croft (κ = 0.468). For knee OA, moderate agreement was found for the KL (κ = 0.598) and Ahlbäck (κ = 0.463), and substantial for Brandt (κ = 0.625), and OARSI (κ = 0.648) classifications. Overall, radiologists assigned higher OA severity scores than orthopaedic surgeons.

Conclusion: This study shows fair to moderate agreement between orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists in diagnosing hip and knee OA. Based on our data, we recommend the Kellgren-Lawrence as the grading system for lower extremity osteoarthritis. However, grading minute osteophytes and early-stage osteoarthritis remains challenging.

Background: Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are a well-established component of acute orthopedic management pathways. Artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare tools are increasingly sophisticated and have the potential to disrupt current practices. The aim of this review was to determine the opportunities, performance and readiness of AI systems that integrate clinical-text and imaging data for the triage or management of patients in VFCs.

Methods: A search of MEDLINE and Embase was performed between January 2010 and July 2025. The review included primary research studies investigating AI for fracture detection via X-rays and natural language processing (NLP) models for clinical documentation. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity, stratified by anatomical region and developer type (commercial vs. researcher-developed).

Results: We included 54 studies: 52 imaging/X-ray studies and 2 NLP/clinical-text studies. Among the imaging studies, 13 evaluated commercial tools, and 39 evaluated researcher-developed models. There were 2 NLP models, both of which interpreted radiology reports rather than text summaries of clinical assessments. No studies that included the use of NLP models in acute orthopedic care could be found. A meta-analysis of commercial tools (n = 11) demonstrated a pooled sensitivity across both multiregional "Limb" tools of 92.58% (95% CI 90.61-94.17%) and anatomy-specific "Wrist" tools of 89.95% (95% CI 72.18-96.86%). Wrist-specific commercial tools demonstrated higher specificity (96.80%; 95% CI 90.12-99.01%) compared to general limb tools (89.69%; 95% CI 84.02-93.51%), suggesting that anatomical targeting may reduce the number of false positives. Researcher-developed models (n = 32) often reported superior metrics for sensitivity compared to the sensitivity of commercial tools.

Conclusions: VFCs require the integration of information from imaging and patient records. Multiple image interpretation tools are available with high performance in fracture identification. The development and integration of NLP tools to interpret clinical documentation from emergency departments and urgent care centers are necessary for AI-VFC.