Preoperative Leg Length Discrepancy Research Articles

Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty performed by direct anterior approach: a systematic review comparing surgical approaches and strategies for prevention.

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA is gaining popularity due to its advantages, but there is limited research on the incidence and size of LLD. This systematic review aims to explore the differences in LLD between DAA and other approaches, as well as the techniques to control LLD in DAA. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies comparing THA by DAA with other surgical approaches and investigating methods to control LLD in DAA, following PRISMA guidelines and a priori registration on PROSPERO (CRD42023412644). The quality of the included studies was assessed. Data on preoperative and postoperative LLD and other relevant outcomes were extracted and analyzed descriptively. In total, 29 studies were included in this systematic review. The majority (86%) were classified as level IV evidence. Comparisons between DAA and posterior approach (PA) or anterolateral approach (ALA) showed DAA had lower rates of LLD >10 mm compared to PA and ALA. Different pre- and intra-operative techniques were evaluated, but no consensus on the best method for preventing LLD in DAA was reached. DAA shows comparable or superior results in the prevention of LLD compared to other surgical approaches. Supine patient placement, direct leg measurement, and the use of IF contribute to these outcomes. Intraoperative fluoroscopy with a grid and preoperative planning offers a good option, especially for training purposes, but its role in preventing LLD by experienced DAA surgeons needs further investigation.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Combined with Proximal Femoral Reconstruction Effectively Treats Severe Hip Deformities: A Novel Osteotomy Technique.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with proximal femoral reconstruction is a novel osteotomy technique developed to address severe hip deformities. There is a paucity of robust clinical and radiological evidence regarding the outcomes of this novel osteotomy technique. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of THA combined with proximal femoral reconstruction during the early follow-up. This is a retrospective case series of 63 hips who underwent THA combined with proximal femoral reconstruction at a single institution between January 2020 and July 2023. The mean age of patients was 39.6 ± 12.6 years. The mean follow-up was 25.6 ± 3.8 months. Surgical characteristics and perioperative variables were evaluated to assess the efficacy of this technique. Harris hip score (HHS) was utilized to evaluate hip function. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) was evaluated in X-ray. The incidence of major adverse events including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), osteolysis, nonunion of the osteotomy, intraoperative femoral fracture, and infection was also evaluated. Paired-samples t-test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative HHS and LLD. The mean operative time was 125.1 min. The mean size of the acetabular components used was 45.2 mm, and the stem size was 7.5. The primary friction interface was ceramic-on-ceramic, accounting for 92.1% of cases. The average length of hospital stay was 8.5 days. The mean cost of treatment was 46,296.0 Yuan. There was a significant improvement in postoperative HHS (p < 0.001) and LLD (p < 0.001) compared to preoperative values. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis was 4.8%; osteolysis rates for the cup and stem were 4.8% and 6.4%, respectively. The non-union and dislocation rates were 1.6% and 3.2%, respectively. There was no incidence of postoperative infection. The novel osteotomy surgical procedure yields reliable and impressive clinical and radiological outcomes, with minimal complications. We advocate for its use in complex primary THA cases involving severe proximal femoral deformities.

An Intraoperative Method to Minimize Leg Length Discrepancy in Anterior Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty-A Prospective Study.

While several intraoperative devices have been described in the literature for assessing leg length discrepancy (LLD), none have been utilized during total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed via the Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery (AMIS) approach. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of a compass device in assessing leg length during THA performed using the AMIS technique. A prospective study was conducted involving 35 patients who consecutively underwent unilateral primary THA using the AMIS technique at our department from September 2017 to December 2018. LLD was measured by comparing preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis, independently assessed by two observers. The mean preoperative LLD was 3.6 (SD 3.9, range, 0.2-19.3) mm. The mean postoperative LLD was 2.5 (SD 3.0, range, 0-12.2) mm. A postoperative LLD of less than 5 mm was observed in 88.2% of cases, with 94.1% having values less than 10 mm. In conclusion, the compass device emerged as a valuable tool for ensuring precise limb length control in THA with the AMIS approach, offering both efficiency and cost-effectiveness in clinical practice.

Is step-cut shortening osteotomy a better choice than transverse osteotomy for total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type III-IV hip dysplasia?

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty for developmental hip dysplasia is a challenging surgery due to anatomic abnormalities. Crowe III and Crowe IV hip dysplasia generally necessitates a subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. Transverse and step-cut osteotomy are the most common procedures for shortening of femur although there is still no consensus which one is a superior method. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether transverse or step-cut osteotomy is superior in hips who undergo arthroplasty for high riding hip dysplasia. HypothesisOur hypothesis was that higher rates of union would be achieved in patients with Crowe III-IV hip dysplasia when the step-cut osteotomy was performed compared to transverse osteotomies. Material and methodsA total of 99 hips from 90 patients (9 bilateral, 81 unilateral; 79 female, 11 male), each with a minimum follow-up duration of two years, were included in this study. The hips were classified as Crowe III (n=16) or IV (n=83). All hips were implanted cementless. Transverse or step-cut osteotomy was chosen for osteotomy type. The clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), limb length discrepancy (LLD), and limping. The complications and management of these were noted. The union rates were compared between osteotomy types. ResultsThe mean age at surgery was 48.8 (range, 21–79 years). The follow-up period was 64.3 months in average (range, 24 to 192 months). The mean Harris Hip Score before surgery was 35.6 (range, 18–50), and increased to 88.1 (range, 61–98) points at the most recent follow-up. The preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) measured 5.3cm (with a range of 3 to 6.8), while the postoperative LLD reduced to 0.8cm (with a range of 0 to 1.6). There were a total of 38 complications in 35 patients out of 99 cases, resulting in a complication rate of 38.4%. The most frequent complication observed was intraoperative femoral fractures, occurring in 13 cases. Residual limping was seen in 73.7% of all. Step-cut osteotomy was performed in 64 hips (35 CDH stem [Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA], 29 Wagner Cone stem [Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA]) and, transverse in 35 hips (22 CDH, 13 Wagner Cone). Six hips had nonunion problem and all of them were operated with a step-cut osteotomy (z-score: –7.12 and p<0.00001, Mann-Whitney U Test). ConclusionTransverse osteotomy may be a better option while performing a shortening subtrochanteric level osteotomy for total hip arthroplasty for Crowe III-IV hips. Level of evidenceLevel III; observational retrospective cohort study.

A Novel Approach for Correcting Limb Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the suture technique, along with the utilization of a spirit-level devicewhich is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal or vertical, in comparison to the conventional supraacetabular pin method and caliper measurement for correcting leg length discrepancy (LLD) during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materialsand methods: Consecutive patients who underwent unilateral primary THA between January 2021 and March 2023 were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were severe flexion and adduction contracture that could affect the accuracy of measurements, a history of lower extremity surgery, the presence of lower extremity deformity, and the absence of postoperative full-length radiographs. Patients were allocated into two groups based on the technique employed for correcting LLD during THA. Group 1 (n=62) consisted of patients evaluated using the suture technique with a spirit-level device, while group 2 (n=75) comprised patients who underwent the supraacetabular pin method with caliper measurement. The distance between the inter-teardrop line and the tip of the lesser trochanter was measured for both hips to assess LLD. The mean preoperative LLD was similar between groups, which was 11.6 ± 9.1 mm in group 1 and 9.5 ± 9.8 mm in group 2 (p=0.191). Postoperatively, group 1 had a significantly lower LLD compared to group 2 (p<0.001). According to the results obtained from this study, the use of a suture technique in conjunction with a spirit-level device to achieve a consistent leg position is an effective method for correcting LLD during THA.

Clinical efficacy of greater trochanter osteotomy with tension wire fixation in total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip

ObjectiveThe choice of osteotomy in joint replacement surgery for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a challenging and controversial procedure. In this study, we compared the clinical efficacy of a combination of greater trochanter osteotomy and tension wire fixation with that of subtrochanteric osteotomy.MethodsWe performed 15 primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures between January 2016 and July 2020 on 13 patients with a combination of greater trochanter osteotomy and tension wire fixation (the GTT group) and 12 THA procedures in 11 patients using subtrochanteric osteotomy (the STO group). The mean follow-up was 2.8 years (range 2.2–4.5 years) in the GTT group and 2.6 years (range 2.5–4.3 years) in the STO group. Clinical scores and radiographic results were evaluated during the final follow-up for the 15 hips in the GTT group and 12 hips in the STO group.ResultsPostoperative Harris hip scores, implant position, and the surgery time did not differ between the treatment groups. There were no differences in preoperative leg length discrepancy LLD (P = 0.46) and postoperative LLD (P = 0.56) between the two groups. Bone union occurred within 6 months after surgery in 12 hips in the GTT group (92.3%) and in 9 hips (81.8%) in the STO group. One case in the GTT group and two cases in the STO group had nonunion, and additionally, there was one case of postoperative nerve injury in the STO group, while no symptoms of nerve damage were observed in the GTT group.ConclusionThe GTT method demonstrated many advantages and reliable clinical results for Crowe type IV DDH patients undergoing THA. This is a surgical method that warrants further development and promotion clinically.

Minimal pre-operative leg length discrepancy as a risk factor of post-operative leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study of patients with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BackgroundLeg length discrepancy (LLD) is one of the troublesome complications of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Previously, several risk factors have been suggested, but they were subjected to their inherent limitations. By controlling confounding variables, we hypothesized that known risk factors be re-evaluated and novel ones be discovered. This study aimed to analyze the independent risk factors for LLD after primary THA in patients with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with non-traumatic ONFH who underwent unilateral THA between 2014 and 2021. All patients were operated by one senior surgeon using a single implant. Demographic data, surgical parameters, and radiological findings (pre-operative LLD, Dorr classification, and femoral neck resection) were analyzed to identify the risk factors of ≥ 5 mm post-operative LLD based on radiological measurement and to calculate odds ratios by logistic regression analysis. Post hoc power analysis demonstrated that the number of analyzed patients was sufficient with 80% power.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-six patients were analyzed, including 96 females, with a mean age of 58.8 years at the time of initial THA. The average post-operative LLD was 1.2 ± 2.9 mm in the control group and 9.7 ± 3.2 mm in the LLD group, respectively. The LLD group tended to have minimal pre-operative LLD than the control group (-3.2 ± 5.1 mm vs. -7.9 ± 5.8 mm p = 2.38 × 10− 8). No significant difference was found between the groups in age, gender, body mass index, femoral cortical index, and implant size.ConclusionMild pre-operative LLD is associated with an increased risk of post-operative LLD after primary THA in patients with ONFH. Thus, surgeons should recognize pre-operative LLD to achieve an optimal outcome and must inform patients about the risk of developing LLD.

Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy Provides Superior Function to Trochanter Slide Osteotomy in THA for Patients With Unilateral Crowe Type IV Dysplasia at a Minimum of 3 Years.

Performing THA in patients with high-riding developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is associated with serious complications and technical challenges. Various methods of shortening osteotomy are available to facilitate femoral head reduction during THA in patients with high-riding hips; subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy plus proximal shortening are the most common techniques. However, which approach is superior remains a topic of controversy. (1) Is there any difference in clinical outcomes (defined as the Harris Hip Score [HHS] and residual limb length discrepancy) at a minimum of 3 years between subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy in patients with Crowe Type IV DDH who underwent THA? (2) Is there any difference in the risk or type of complications between the two approaches? We performed a retrospective, comparative study of two groups (subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy versus trochanteric slide osteotomy) matched for sex and preoperative HHS at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Between 2010 and 2018, we performed 67 THAs in patients with unilateral Crowe Type IV DDH. During that time, we generally used a trochanteric slide osteotomy for THA in all patients with Crowe Type IV hips and performed subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy when a conical stem was not available. A total of 42% (28) had THA with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy, and 58% (39) had THA with trochanteric slide osteotomy. Of those, 89% (25) and 74% (29), respectively, were accounted for with complete datasets for possible matching at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Patients were matched for gender and preoperative HSS (within 10 points), leaving 22 patients in each group (79% of the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group and 56% of the trochanteric slide osteotomy group) for evaluation and analysis. Age (42 versus 46 years), gender (female: 73% versus 73%), preoperative HSS (40 versus 40), and preoperative leg length discrepancy (5.9 versus 5.3 cm) were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). The trochanteric slide osteotomy group exclusively received Cone Wagner (Zimmer) implants (100%), while Corail (DePuy Synthes) implants (77%) were the most commonly used in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group. HHS at a minimum of 3 years as well as the presence or absence of a limp and Trendelenburg sign, functional leg length discrepancy, nonunion, nerve palsy, and other surgical complications were recorded and compared between the groups based on data drawn from a longitudinally maintained institutional database. At a mean follow-up of 73 months, improvement in HHS was greater in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group than in the trochanteric slide osteotomy group (48 ± 4 points versus 36 ± 11 points, mean difference 12 points [95% CI 7 to 17 points]; p < 0.001). Although the preoperative leg length discrepancy was similar between the groups, there was a greater postoperative improvement in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group (44 ± 8 mm and 38 ± 8 mm in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy groups, respectively; p = 0.02). The risk of nonunion was higher with a trochanteric slide osteotomy than with a subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (23% [5 of 22] versus 0% [0 of 22]; p = 0.048). Other complications, including intraoperative periprosthetic fractures, nerve palsy, heterotopic ossification, revision surgery, and dislocation, did not differ between the groups. In patients with Crowe Type IV hips undergoing THA, surgeons might consider subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy rather than trochanteric slide osteotomy to minimize the risk of nonunion and achieve superior hip function. Better correction of leg length discrepancy may also be possible with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. The long-term survivorship of hips after these two techniques, as well as the influence of the specific anatomy of the proximal femur on the choice of technique, remain to be explored in future studies. Level III, therapeutic study.

IS A TYPE 2B SHORT STEM ADEQUATE IN PATIENTS WITH PROXIMAL FEMORAL DEFORMITIES?

We sought to determine the short to medium-term clinical and radiographic outcomes using a short stem in young adults with a proximal femoral deformity (PFD).We prospectively studied 31 patients (35 hips) with PFDs treated with an uncemented primary THA using a short stem with cervicometaphyseal fixation between 2011–2018. There were 19 male (23 hips) and 12 female (12 hips) patients, with a mean BMI of 26.7±4.1 kg/m2. Twelve cases had a previous surgical procedure, and six of them were failed childhood osteotomies. Mean age of the series was 44±12 years, mean follow-up was 81±27 months and no patients were lost to follow-up. PFDs were categorized according to a modified Berry´s classification. Average preoperative leg-length discrepancy (LLD) was −16.3 mm (−50 to 2).At a mean time of 81 months of follow-up, survival rate was 97% taking revision of the stem for any reason and 100% for aseptic loosening as endpoints. No additional femoral osteotomy was required in any case. Average surgical time was 66 minutes (45 to 100). There was a significant improvement in the mHHS score when comparing preoperative and postoperative values (47.3±10.6 vs. 92.3±3.7, p=0.0001). Postoperative LLD was in average 1 mm (−9 to 18) (p=0.0001). According to Engh's criteria, all stems were classified as stable without signs of loosening. Postoperative complications included 1 pulmonary embolism, 1 neurogenic sciatic pain, 1 transient sciatic nerve palsy that recovered completely after six months, and 2 acute periprosthetic joint infections. One patient suffered a Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fracture 45 days after surgery and was revised with a modular distally fixed uncemented fluted stem.A type 2B short stem evidenced promising outcomes at short to medium-term follow up in young adult patients with PFDs, avoiding the need for corrective osteotomies and a revision stem.

Preoperative Leg Length Discrepancy >2 cm in the Supine Decubitus PositionMay Induce Compensatory Pelvic Obliquity in Patients during Total Hip Arthroplasty.

The leg length discrepancy (LLD) in the supine decubitus position may influence the inclination angle of the acetabular component during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The relationship among LLD, pelvic obliquity, and inclination angle of the acetabular component has not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between LLD in supine position and changes in the inclination angle of the acetabular components during THA, and the compensatory ability of the pelvis based on LLD and inclination. A total of 135 patients were prospectively classified into three groups according to the preoperative LLD in the supine decubitus position: the cranial type group had a positive LLD value; the fixed type group had LLD=0; and the caudal type group had a negative LLD value. Patients in the cranial type group and caudal type group were divided into four subgroups based on the LLD value (either positive or negative): LLD >3cm subgroup; 2≤ LLD ≤ 3cm subgroup; 1≤ LLD < 2cm subgroup; and LLD <1cm subgroup. The targeted and final inclination of the acetabular component was measured intra- and postoperatively. The results showed a significant difference in the targeted and final inclination angles among the patients in the cranial type and the caudal type groups. In the caudal type group, increased inclination was observed in the patients of LLD >3cm subgroup (mean 3.13°) and 2≤ LLD ≤ 3cm subgroup (mean 5.17°) after THA, respectively. Decreased inclination (mean, 6.16°) was observed in 2≤ LLD ≤ 3cm subgroup in the cranial type group after THA. Our findings revealed that in patients with discrepancy greater than 2 cm, postural pelvic obliquity imposed a remarkable influence on the inclination.

The clinical effect of trochanteric slide osteotomy combined with a cementless femoral conical stem in total hip replacement for the treatment of Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Total hip replacement (THR) for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is still challenging due to specific joint deformities and the high incidence of post-operative complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of trochanteric slide osteotomy (TSO) combined with a cementless femoral conical stem in THR for the treatment of Crowe type IV DDH. Thirty-one total hip replacements (26 patients) with Crowe type IV DDH were performed using TSO combined with a cementless femoral conical stem. Surgical outcomes were evaluated using leg length discrepancy (LLD), Harris hip score, and post-operative complications. The average pre-operative LLD was 51mm (range 46-58mm), decreasing to an average of 10mm (range 8-12mm) post-operatively. As a result, the post-operative incidence of the Trendelenburg sign significantly decreased compared with the pre-operative incidence (P< 0.05). Bony union was identified in 26 hips (83.9%), fibrous union in four (12.9%), and non-union in one (3.2%). No acetabular or femoral component loosening, dislocation, or deep infection around the component was found in any of the patients during the follow-up period (27 to 39 months). The average Harris hip score improved from 63.0 ± 3.0 (range 58-69) to 93.3 ± 2.0 (range 91-96). TSO combined with a cementless conical stem in THR is an appropriate option for patients with high congenital hip dislocation.

OVER 50% OF PATIENTS AT RISK OF IMPINGEMENT AFTER THA SURGERY ARE NOT CAPTURED WITH NEUTRAL BONY ALIGNMENT

Dislocation is one of the most common complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is primarily driven by bony or prosthetic impingement. The aim of this study was two-fold. First, to develop a simulation that incorporates the functional position of the femur and pelvis and instantaneously determines range of motion (ROM) limits. Second, to assess the number of patients for whom their functional bony alignment escalates impingement risk.468 patients underwent a preoperative THA planning protocol that included functional x-rays and a lower limb CT scan. The CT scan was segmented and landmarked, and the x-rays were measured for pelvic tilt, femoral rotation, and preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD). All patients received 3D templating with the same implant combination (Depuy; Corail/Pinnacle). Implants were positioned according to standardised criteria.Each patient was simulated in a novel ROM simulation that instantaneously calculates bony and prosthetic impingement limits in functional movements. Simulated motions included flexion and standing-external rotation (ER). Each patient's ROM was simulated with their bones oriented in both functional and neutral positions.13% patients suffered a ROM impingement for functional but not neutral extension-ER. As a result, 48% patients who failed the functional-ER simulation would not be detected without consideration of the functional bony alignment. 16% patients suffered a ROM impingement for functional but not neutral flexion. As a result, 65% patients who failed the flexion simulation would not be detected without consideration of the functional bony alignment.We have developed a ROM simulation for use with preoperative planning for THA surgery that can solve bony and prosthetic impingement limits instantaneously. The advantage of our ROM simulation over previous simulations is instantaneous impingement detection, not requiring implant geometries to be analysed prior to use, and addressing the functional position of both the femur and pelvis.

Leg length discrepancy assessment in total hip arthroplasty: is a pelvic radiograph sufficient?

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common pre- and postoperative issue in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. The conventional technique for measuring LLD has historically been on a non-weightbearing anteroposterior pelvic radiograph; however, this does not capture many potential sources of LLD. The aim of this study was to determine if long-limb EOS radiology can provide a more reproducible and holistic measurement of LLD. In all, 93 patients who underwent a THA received a standardized preoperative EOS scan, anteroposterior (AP) radiograph, and clinical LLD assessment. Overall, 13 measurements were taken along both anatomical and functional axes and measured twice by an orthopaedic fellow and surgical planning engineer to calculate intraoperator reproducibility and correlations between measurements. Strong correlations were observed for all EOS measurements (rs > 0.9). The strongest correlation with AP radiograph (inter-teardrop line) was observed for functional-ASIS-to-floor (functional) (rs = 0.57), much weaker than the correlations between EOS measurements. ASIS-to-ankle measurements exhibited a high correlation to other linear measurements and the highest ICC (rs = 0.97). Using anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)-to-ankle, 33% of patients had an absolute LLD of greater than 10 mm, which was statistically different from the inter-teardrop LLD measurement (p < 0.005). We found that the conventional measurement of LLD on AP pelvic radiograph does not correlate well with long leg measurements and may not provide a true appreciation of LLD. ASIS-to-ankle demonstrated improved detection of potential LLD than other EOS and radiograph measurements. Full length, functional imaging methods may become the new gold standard to measure LLD.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open2022;3(12):960-968.

Understanding the role of pelvic obliquity and leg length discrepancy in adult spinal deformity patients with coronal malalignment: unlocking the black box.

This study had 3 objectives: 1) to describe pelvic obliquity (PO) and leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and their relationship with coronal malalignment (CM); 2) to report rates of isolated PO and PO secondary to LLD; and 3) to assess the importance of preoperative PO and LLD in postoperative complications, readmission, reoperation, and patient-reported outcomes. Patients undergoing surgery (≥ 6-level fusions) for adult spinal deformity at a single institution were reviewed. Variables evaluated were as follows: 1) PO, angle between the horizontal plane and a line touching bilateral iliac crests; and 2) LLD, distance from the head to the tibial plafond. Coronal vertical axis (CVA) and sagittal vertical axis measurements were collected, both from C7. The cutoff for CM was CVA > 3 cm. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was collected preoperatively and at 2 years. Of 242 patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity, 90 (37.0%) had preoperative CM. Patients with preoperative CM had a higher PO (2.8° ± 3.2° vs 2.0° ± 1.7°, p = 0.013), a higher percentage of patients with PO > 3° (35.6% vs 23.5%, p = 0.044), and higher a percentage of patients with LLD > 1 cm (21.1% vs 9.8%, p = 0.014). Whereas preoperative PO was significantly positively correlated with CVA (r = 0.26, p < 0.001) and maximum Cobb angle (r = 0.30, p < 0.001), preoperative LLD was only significantly correlated with CVA (r = 0.14, p = 0.035). A total of 12.2% of patients with CM had significant PO and LLD, defined as follows: PO ≥ 3°; LLD ≥ 1 cm. Postoperatively, preoperative PO was significantly associated with both postoperative CM (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.40, p = 0.008) and postoperative CVA (β = 0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.22, p < 0.001). A higher preoperative PO was independently associated with postoperative complications after multivariate logistic regression (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.45, p = 0.010); however, 2-year ODI scores were not. Preoperative LLD had no significant relationship with postoperative CM, CVA, ODI, or complications. A PO ≥ 3° or LLD ≥ 1 cm was seen in 44.1% of patients with preoperative CM and in 23.5% of patients with normal coronal alignment. Preoperative PO was significantly associated with preoperative CVA and maximum Cobb angle, whereas preoperative LLD was only associated with preoperative CVA. The direction of PO and LLD showed no consistent pattern with CVA. Preoperative PO was independently associated with complications but not with 2-year ODI scores.

Total Hip Arthroplasties for Hartofilakidis Type C1 and C2 High Hip Dislocations Demonstrate Similar Survivorship and Clinical Function at Minimum 10-year Follow-up With Cementless Implants

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the differences in survivorship, clinical function, and complications among patients who have Hartofilakidis Type C1 or C2 developmental dysplasia of the hips and underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with cementless implants. MethodsThis retrospective study identified 84 Hartofilakidis Type C hips that underwent THA between 2002 and 2011 with a minimum 10-year follow-up (mean, 13 years, range, 10 to 19 years). Survivorship, latest Harris Hip Scores and satisfaction levels, radiographic outcomes (eg, implant stability, rate and length of subtrochanteric shortening transverse osteotomy, leg-length discrepancy, cup position, and orientation), as well as complications (eg, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, periprosthetic joint infection) were compared to analyze the differences between Hartofilakidis C1 and C2 hips. ResultsBetween C1 and C2 hips, no difference existed in the 15-year cumulative Kaplan-Meier survivorship, with the endpoint defined as any reoperation (93.1 versus 90.8%), aseptic loosening combined with periprosthetic joint infection (93.1 versus 96.2%), or aseptic loosening (94.8 versus 96.2%), latest Harris Hip Score (87.1 versus 86.1%), vertical (6.1 versus 6.0 mm) and horizontal (11.5 versus 10.3 mm) distance to the anatomic center of rotation, postoperative leg length discrepancy (11.2 versus 15.5 mm), dislocation (5.2 versus 11.5%), stem aseptic loosening (6.9 versus 7.7%), periprosthetic fracture (3.4 versus 7.7%), and intraoperative femoral fracture (32.8 versus 23.1%). However, Type C2 hips demonstrated more severe preoperative leg length discrepancy (66.9 versus 42.5 mm) and required a higher percentage of subtrochanteric shortening transverse osteotomies (84.6 versus 36.2%) that were longer (33.7 versus 26.47 mm) than the Type C1 hips. ConclusionWith cementless cups positioned near the anatomic acetabular center and cementless stems combined with subtrochanteric shortening transverse osteotomies, THAs for the Hartofilakidis Type C1 and C2 hips demonstrated similar survivorship, clinical function, and complications.

Pre-Operative Digital Templating Aids Restoration of Leg-Length Discrepancy and Femoral Offset in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty for Primary Osteoarthritis.

BackgroundPre-operative planning and templating is a crucial pre-requisite for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Recently, the use of digital radiography has allowed templating to be digitalised instead of traditional methods involving the use of radiograph transparencies. The primary aim of this study was to compare the accuracy in correction of leg length discrepancy (LLD) and restoring femoral offset in patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis with pre-operative digital templating (PDT) versus conventionalplanning without digital templating.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study compared two groups of patients who underwent THA for primary osteoarthritis. During the period of the year 2020, 56 patients underwent THA with pre-operative digital templating and 50 patients without digital templating. Two independent blinded observers recorded all radiological data.ResultsThe digital templated and non-digital templated cohorts were matched for variables including age (mean = 71.8 years vs 70.9 years), pre-operative LLD (-4.9mm vs -5.2mm) and pre-operative offset (41.2mm vs 43.7mm). PDT resulted in correction of LLD to <5mm compared to the contralateral hip in 76.8% of cases, 5-10mm in 21.4% and >10mm in one case (1.8%). The non-digital templated cohort had a LLD of <5mm in 50% of cases, 5-10mm in 28% and >10mm in 22%. Chi-square testing demonstrated these results to be statistically significant (p = 0.002). The mean pre-operative offset in the digital templated group was 40mm and 46mm post-operatively. The non-digital templated cohort had a mean pre-operative offset of 42mm and 36mm post-operatively. Independent t-testing revealed statistical significance of these results (p = 0.05).ConclusionPDT leads to an increased likelihood of restoring LLD to <5mm and a significantly increased likelihood of preventing lengthening >10mm. PDT also significantly increases the chance of restoring femoral offset to match the pre-operative native hip. Decreased offset is seen predominantly in the non-digitally templated patients.

Restoration of Native Leg Length After Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: An Intraindividual Analysis.

Background:Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) has been shown to significantly increase leg length, especially in patients with large varus deformity. Thus, the current literature recommends closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy to correct malalignment in these patients to prevent postoperative leg length discrepancy. However, potential preoperative leg length discrepancy has not been considered yet.Hypothesis:It was hypothesized that patients have a decreased preoperative length of the involved leg compared with the contralateral side and that OWHTO would subsequently restore native leg length.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Included were 67 patients who underwent OWHTO for unilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and who received full leg length assessment pre- and postoperatively. Patients with varus or valgus deformity (>3°) of the contralateral side were excluded. A musculoskeletal radiologist assessed imaging for the mechanical axis, full leg length, and tibial length of the involved and contralateral lower extremity. Statistical analysis determined the pre- and postoperative leg length discrepancy and the influence of the mechanical axis.Results:Most patients (62.7%) had a decreased length of the involved leg, with a mean preoperative mechanical axis of 5.0° ± 2.9°. Length discrepancy averaged –2.2 ± 5.8 mm, indicating a shortened involved extremity (P = .003). OWHTO significantly increased the mean lengths of the tibia and lower limb by 3.6 ± 2.9 and 4.4 ± 4.7 mm (P < .001), leading to a postoperative tibial and full leg length discrepancy of 2.8 ± 4.3 mm and 2.2 ± 7.3 mm (P < .001 and P = .017, respectively). Preoperative leg length discrepancy was significantly correlated with the preoperative mechanical axis of the involved limb (r = 0.292; P = .016), and the amount of correction was significantly associated with leg lengthening after OWHTO (r = 0.319; P = .009). Patients with a varus deformity of ≥6.5° (n = 14) had a preoperative length discrepancy of –4.5 ± 1.6 mm (P < .001) that was reduced to 1.8 ± 3.5 mm (P = .08).Conclusion:Patients undergoing OWHTO have a preoperative leg length discrepancy that is directly associated with the varus deformity of the involved extremity. As OWHTO significantly increases leg length, restoration of native leg length can be achieved particularly in patients with large varus deformity.

What Are the Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Magnetically Driven Antegrade Intramedullary Lengthening Nails for Femoral Lengthening to Treat Leg Length Discrepancy?

What Are the Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Magnetically Driven Antegrade Intramedullary Lengthening Nails for Femoral Lengthening to Treat Leg Length Discrepancy?

Outcome of correction of complex femoral rotational deformities using Taylor Spatial Frame in skeletally immature patients: a retrospective case series

Background: Although the incidence of rotational lower-limb deformity caused by malunited femoral fractures is low, it can alter the force transition across lower limb joints. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) in the treatment of severe rotational lower-limb deformities that were caused by neglected malunited femoral fractures in pediatric and adolescent patients. Methods: Fifteen skeletally immature patients, six boys and nine girls with mean age of 10.17 yr (range: 7 to 14 yr), who had rotational deformities of the lower limbs and had osteotomies and application of TSF from March 2012 to February 2016 underwent clinical and radiographic assessments. Results: The osteotomy site was at the middle third of the femur in 12 patients and at the supracondylar region in three patients. The mean correction time for the femoral rotational deformity was 19.6 days (range: 15 to 28 days). The mean time for fixator removal after full correction of rotational deformity and lengthening was 172.67 days (range: 150 to 180 days). The mean preoperative leg-length discrepancy (LLD) was 4.31 cm (range: 2 to 10 cm), and the mean postoperative LLD was 0.27 cm (range: 0 to 2 cm; P&lt;0.001). Femoral torsion was internal in 10 patients and external in five patients. The mean preoperative rotational deformity was 81 degrees (range: 60 to 180 degrees); the mean postoperative rotational deformity decreased significantly to 3.53 degrees (range: 0 to 7 degrees; P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: TSF was effective in treating severe rotational deformities of the lower limbs that were caused by neglected malunited femoral fractures in pediatric and adolescent patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Preoperative radiographs to predict component malposition in direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty.

There is conflicting evidence as to whether or not patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) via the direct anterior approach (DAA) have increased risk of component malposition. The aim of this study was to investigate whether specific preoperative radiographic features were predictive of postoperative component malposition in DAA THA. We examined 204 THA operations performed for osteoarthritis via the DAA at a single institution. Preoperative radiographs were analysed with numerous pre-specified measurements and classifications being recorded. Postoperative radiographs were analysed to determine if any of these preoperative radiographic factors correlated with component malposition in regard to cup inclination, cup version, femoral stem coronal alignment, leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and femoral offset discrepancy. Numerous preoperative factors were associated with component malposition. Coxa profunda was found to be a significant predictor of cup anteversion being outside of the target range (p = 0.0089) and an increased centre-edge angle was a significant predictor for a postoperative LLD (p = 0.0134). A decreased neck-shaft angle (p = 0.0007) and a lower preoperative LLD (p = 0.0019) were both predictive of femoral stem coronal malalignment. Preoperative radiographs can be a valuable tool for surgeons in predicting patients at risk of component malposition in DAA THA.