J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 14. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.25.00149. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are limited long-term data on the results of conversion of a surgically or spontaneously fused knee to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term (minimum, 21-year) results of TKA in a fused knee.

METHODS: We reviewed the results of 95 TKAs in the fused knees of 93 patients (mean age, 41.9 ± 9.4 years; range, 23 to 62 years) using a TKA system. The mean follow-up was 25.1 years (range, 21 to 31 years).

RESULTS: The mean Knee Society score was 88 points (range, 56 to 96 points) at the final follow-up. The mean range of motion was 76.4° (range, 0° to 105°). Nine knees (9%) required revision for aseptic loosening of TKA components. One knee (1%) was revised for pyogenic infection, and another knee was revised for recurrent tuberculous infection. Approximately 80% of patients were satisfied with the TKA. Approximately 67% of patients reported that their quality of life improved greatly after TKA. Kaplan-Meier survivorship, with revision for failure as the end point, was 88.4% (95% confidence interval, 83% to 97%) at 25.1 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Conversion of a fused knee to TKA resulted in good long-term fixation and high satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40811520 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.25.00149

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 14. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.25.00164. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40811512 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.25.00164

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 14. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01611. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis generally has been recommended for treating severe valgus deformities of the hindfoot in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, it is unknown whether restricted subtalar joint motion affects the shape of the foot during continued growth in children. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and longevity of extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis in ambulatory patients with spastic CP, with a specific focus on its impact on the final foot shape and plantar pressure distribution.

METHODS: The present retrospective study included 99 feet in 60 children with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 7.6 ± 2.1 years at the time of surgery and 16.6 ± 4.7 years at the latest follow-up. Radiographic changes were analyzed both during the early postoperative period and at extended follow-up. At the latest follow-up, the feet were classified into 3 categories (hindfoot valgus, neutral, or varus) on the basis of the valgus/varus index obtained from dynamic pedobarographs.

RESULTS: All radiographic parameters improved at 6 months after surgery. However, at the latest follow-up, all measurements except for the lateral talocalcaneal angle indicated overcorrection of the hindfoot valgus deformity. The overall valgus/varus index decreased from 0.54 ± 0.25 before surgery to -0.29 ± 0.35 at the latest follow-up. Five feet (5.1%) were classified as hindfoot valgus, 41 feet (41.4%) as neutral, and 53 feet (53.5%) as varus. Patients with hindfoot varus were younger at the time of surgery, and a lower anteroposterior talus-first metatarsal angle at 6 months after surgery was found to be the only significant radiographic predictor of the development of hindfoot varus. Revision procedures were performed on 22 feet (41.5%) in the varus group.

CONCLUSIONS: Extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis is associated with a high risk of progressive hindfoot varus deformity in patients with CP. Our findings highlight the need to reevaluate traditional surgical indications for correcting hindfoot valgus deformity, which have largely been based on the severity of the deformity observed on radiographs. Decision-making also should account for growth-related changes associated with restricted subtalar motion and the intraoperative position of the hindfoot and forefoot.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40811496 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01611

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jul 18. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01575. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinician equipoise-indifference between treatment arms-provides an ethical foundation for clinician participation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In preparation for an RCT comparing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus enhanced nonoperative therapy for patients with a meniscal tear and knee osteoarthritis (OA) who remain symptomatic after a course of physical therapy, we conducted a mixed-methods study to assess equipoise among potential enrolling clinicians.

METHODS: Fifteen clinicians with experience managing meniscal tears assessed 29 vignettes of hypothetical patients who met trial eligibility criteria. We randomly varied 13 vignette features (e.g., age, sex, radiographic severity, tear morphology). Clinicians expressed their willingness to enroll each hypothetical patient. After polling, we recorded and transcribed a moderated discussion to document clinician thought processes. We performed a quantitative analysis to identify clinical features associated with the likelihood of enrollment and an exploratory thematic analysis of the transcribed discussion to explicate the quantitative findings.

RESULTS: The 15 orthopaedic surgeons and physician assistants assessed 29 vignettes describing hypothetical patients. Eight votes were missing, leaving 427 vignettes, of which the clinicians were willing to enroll 302 (71%) (range, 24% to 100%) in the trial. Three clinicians were willing to enroll <50% of vignettes. Clinicians were willing to enroll just 39% of vignettes with bucket-handle tears. In logistic regression analyses, a bucket-handle tear (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04 to 0.37) and Kellgren-Lawrence 3 radiographs (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.82) were independently associated with clinician unwillingness to randomize. The qualitative analysis confirmed that clinicians believed that bucket-handle tears should be managed operatively, whereas combinations of greater age, severe OA, inability to walk 200 yards, and higher body mass index (BMI) pushed clinicians toward nonoperative therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: This methodology can be used to identify clinicians who should be engaged in discussions and interventions to support equipoise. It can also inform development of exclusion criteria (e.g., exclude bucket-handle tears) to increase the proportion of eligible subjects referred for enrollment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orthopedic surgeons play crucial roles in randomized controlled trials, the foundation of clinical practice guidelines, by enrolling patients from their practices. This article examines clinician equipoise, a key determinant of the willingness of clinicians to enroll eligible patients in trials.

PMID:40802780 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01575

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.25.00061. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Surgeons often recommend weight loss for patients with obesity before total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it is unknown whether preoperative weight loss affects outcomes. The goals of this study were to determine how many patients with obesity lost weight before TKA, to identify weight loss predictors, and to evaluate if preoperative weight loss affected postoperative outcomes.

METHODS: Among 23,726 primary TKAs performed between 2002 and 2019, we identified 3,665 patients who had a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 measured 1 to 24 months before surgery and had a weight measured at surgery. The mean patient age was 68 years, and 59% of patients were female. The mean patient BMI was 36 kg/m2. Univariable linear regressions evaluated weight loss predictors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the impact of preoperative weight change on discharge, operative time, periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), complications, revisions, and reoperations. The mean follow-up was 6 years.

RESULTS: Overall, 20% of patients gained ≥5 pounds (1 pound = 0.45 kg), 39% maintained weight, 17% lost 5 to <10 pounds, 15% lost 10 to <20 pounds, and 9% lost ≥20 pounds before TKA. Male patients lost slightly more weight (-4.6 pounds) than female patients (-4.3 pounds) (p = 0.05). In univariable analyses, gaining >5 pounds was associated with increased odds of extended hospital length of stay (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; p = 0.01) and risk of complications (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; p < 0.01). Losing 10 to <20 pounds was associated with increased risks of revision (HR, 2.0; p = 0.01), PJI (HR, 3.1; p < 0.01), and complications (HR, 1.6; p = 0.03). In multivariable analyses, compared with maintaining weight, losing 10 to <20 pounds was associated with an increased risk of PJI (HR, 2.6; p = 0.01), whereas gaining >5 pounds was associated with an increased risk of complications (HR, 1.5; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: Few patients with obesity lost substantial weight before primary TKA, and reaching common preoperative weight loss goals was not associated with improved outcomes. Although a healthy weight is important for general health, weight loss before TKA may not be sufficient to improve postoperative outcomes for most patients with obesity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40788982 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.25.00061

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01180. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Persistent sedentary lifestyles are prevalent after complex lumbar surgery. Inactivity often is due to habit, is not necessary, and results in both adverse general health and adverse spine health. We tested a multicomponent behavioral intervention administered in surgical practices to increase lifestyle walking after recuperation from surgery involving ≥3 lumbar levels or fusion. This analysis reports the main objective of measuring change in physical activity; subsequent analysis will address the additional objective of measuring change in disability due to lumbar pain.

METHODS: At 3 months postoperatively, patients were interviewed in person, completed the self-reported Paffenbarger Physical Activity and Exercise Index measuring energy expenditure in kcal/week from walking and total activity, and were randomized to the control or a behavioral intervention. Patients in the intervention group made a contract to increase walking and received a pedometer and information about activity benefits, followed by telephone contacts over 1 year to reinforce the intervention and assess activity change. Controls received only information about activity benefits and fewer telephone contacts to assess activity change. The primary outcome was the difference in within-patient change in kcal/week from walking (as measured by the Paffenbarger Index) from enrollment to 4 months later. Additional assessments and outcomes included changes in the total Paffenbarger Index from enrollment to 4 and 12 months and changes in the walking domain to 12 months.

RESULTS: Among 250 patients (mean age, 63 years; 53% men; 96% White patients and 6% Latino patients), 123 received the intervention and 127 were controls. The mean energy expenditure from walking increased from enrollment to 4 months for patients in the intervention group (1,437 to 2,582 kcal/week; p < 0.0001) and for controls (1,320 to 1,870 kcal/week; p < 0.0001), with a greater difference for the intervention group (1,165 compared with 600 kcal/week; p = 0.03). At 12 months, the effectiveness of the intervention was sustained (estimated effect, 588 kcal/week [95% confidence interval (CI), 119 to 1,056 kcal/week]; p = 0.01) when accounting for new events that potentially affect activity, such as another lumbar surgery (estimate, -1,396 kcal/week [95% CI, -2,116 to -676 kcal/week]; p = 0.0002) and new arthroplasty or foot or ankle surgery (estimate, -701 kcal/week [95% CI, -1,212 to -189 kcal/week]; p = 0.007). Similar results were obtained for changes in total activity. Retention in this study was 92%; 72% of all patients reported that being in the study did not affect spine symptoms, and 28% reported that being in the study made symptoms better. No adverse events were associated with the trial.

CONCLUSIONS: A behavioral intervention was effective in increasing lifestyle walking after recuperation from complex lumbar surgery. These findings support integrating counseling about physical activity into routine postoperative care in surgical practices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40779643 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01180

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 7. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01098. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Managing soft-tissue balance and selecting an appropriate alignment target are crucial factors in modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Medial soft-tissue release has been widely performed in posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA; however, recent approaches to medial structure management have been reconsidered. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of minimizing medial structure invasion using personalized alignment (PA) with precise additional bone cutting in PS-TKA compared with conventional mechanically aligned (MA) PS-TKA.

METHODS: Overall, 188 patients who underwent PS-TKA were enrolled; propensity score matching on the basis of preoperative patient characteristics was used to ensure that the groups were similar. Additional medial soft-tissue release was performed if necessary in the MA group for inappropriate ligament balance. Adequate bone recutting, as an alternative to medial release, was performed in the PA group, permitting a maximum of 3° tibial varus alignment.

RESULTS: Additional medial soft-tissue release was performed in 33 knees (35.1%) in the MA group, whereas bone recutting was performed in 37 knees (39.4%) in the PA group. The PA group had a significantly more varus postoperative medial proximal tibial angle than the MA group (mean ± standard deviation, 89.1° ± 1.2° versus 90.3° ± 1.8°; p < 0.0001). The postoperative patient satisfaction score of the 2011 New Knee Society Score (KSS) in the PA group was significantly higher than that in the MA group (mean, 29.4 ± 6.7 versus 27.5 ± 7.3; p = 0.04). Moreover, PA with bone recutting resulted in a significantly greater postoperative extension angle (mean, -1.5° ± 3.7° versus -3.0° ± 3.5°; p = 0.02) and higher KSS patient satisfaction (30.1 ± 7.7 versus 26.7 ± 7.2; p = 0.04) compared with MA with medial release.

CONCLUSIONS: This novel surgical strategy achieved appropriate balance without excessive medial release and resulted in superior clinical outcomes in PS-TKA.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40773529 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01098

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01511. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the most effective administration method has yet to be determined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare topical and systemic TXA administration to reduce operative blood loss.

METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were screened for randomized controlled trials comparing topical and systemic TXA for patients who underwent elective TKA and THA. The primary outcome was the total volume of operative blood loss, and the secondary outcomes were postoperative transfusion requirements, hemoglobin drop, hospital length of stay, and the frequencies of the main adverse events (infections and thromboembolic events). Data pooling was performed using RStudio. Subgroup analyses compared outcomes between TKA and THA.

RESULTS: Fifty-nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 6,791 patients were included in this review. Data analysis showed no significant difference between topical and systemic TXA application in terms of total blood loss (Hedges g = 0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.04 to 0.26; I2 = 82.4%). There was also no significant difference between the 2 groups in hemoglobin drop, hospital length of stay, and transfusion requirements. Subgroup analysis showed that patients undergoing TKA who received topical TXA had a significant reduction in total blood loss (g = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.38; I2 = 85%; p = 0.046) compared with those who received systemic TXA.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical and systemic TXA were equally effective in reducing blood loss in the analysis in which THA and TKA were combined. However, in TKA, topical application significantly reduced blood loss compared with systemic administration, while the reverse was true in THA. Further research is still necessary to find the optimal TXA dosage and administration route.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40763214 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01511

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01436. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accurate debridement of poorly perfused bone and soft tissue is critical to reduce the risk of infection in open fracture or of recurrent fracture-related infection (FRI). However, accurate delineation of viable and nonviable tissue is difficult with current technology. The aim of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate an indocyanine green (ICG)-based dynamic contrast-enhanced fluorescence imaging (DCE-FI) strategy to provide intraoperative, objective, real-time information on bone perfusion using an osteotomy model in patients undergoing lower-extremity amputation.

METHODS: Fifteen patients who were ≥18 years of age and were undergoing lower-extremity amputation were included in this study. Perfusion-related kinetic parameters derived from DCE-FI, including maximum fluorescence intensity, ingress slope, and blood flow, were compared among 3 conditions reflecting sequentially increasing osseous damage: baseline, osteotomy (disruption of endosteal blood flow), and osteotomy plus periosteal stripping (disruption of endosteal and periosteal blood flow).

RESULTS: There were significant decreases in median values from baseline to after osteotomy alone for maximum intensity (96.2 to 58.9 relative fluorescence units [RFUs]), ingress slope (3.2 to 2.0 RFU/second), and blood flow (6.7 to 4.9 mL/min/100 g). Following osteotomy plus periosteal stripping, there were also significant decreases in median values for maximum intensity (12.0 RFU), ingress slope (0.2 RFU/s), and blood flow (0.8 mL/min/100 g). The Mann-Whitney U test confirmed a significant perfusion reduction (p < 0.001) in the tibial diaphysis due to these injuries. The areas under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for identifying periosteal stripping (compared with only osteotomy or no osseous damage) were 0.89 to 0.90, which were higher than the AUCs for identifying any osseous damage (osteotomy with or without periosteal stripping) compared with no damage, 0.75 to 0.82.

CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study utilizing DCE-FI for intraoperative bone perfusion assessment in orthopaedic surgery demonstrated that kinetic variables derived from DCE-FI can effectively characterize and classify degradation of bone perfusion due to osteotomy and osteotomy plus periosteal stripping.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40763212 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01436

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00920. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vancouver Type-B1 and C periprosthetic hip fractures have traditionally been treated using single- or double-plate fixation constructs. Concern exists regarding screws within the cement mantle due to the theoretical risk of cement fracture and eventual prosthetic loosening. The aim of this study was to assess femoral stem survivorship in patients with Vancouver Type-B1 or C fractures around a well-fixed cemented femoral component who were treated with a plate construct and screws into the cement mantle. The hypothesis was that screw fixation into the cement mantle would not compromise stem fixation.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who were consecutively, surgically treated for a periprosthetic fracture around a femoral stem by 3 surgeons, as identified through a search of records from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2023. A total of 112 consecutive patients with Vancouver Type-B1 or C periprosthetic femoral fractures treated at our institutions were reviewed. Patients who underwent fixation using plate constructs with ≥1 screw within the cement mantle around the stem were included. Patients were followed until union, revision due to plate construct failure, or stem revision. Other complications, including alignment loss, cemented stem subsidence, radiographic stem loosening, and new cement-mantle fractures, were assessed.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (19 female; 27 White or Caucasian; 3 Hispanic or Latino; mean age, 81.4 ± 8.7 years) met the inclusion criteria. Radiographic union was achieved in 26 patients (92.9%). The study included 8 (28.6%) interprosthetic fractures between a total hip arthroplasty prosthesis and a total knee arthroplasty prosthesis. The mean union time was 8.0 ± 4.6 months (range, 2.2 to 25.6 weeks). The mean follow-up duration following the index procedure was 33.3 ± 24.0 months (range, 6.1 to 86.2 months). Two nonunions occurred (7.1%), both involving plate failure. Both patients required revision of the femoral prosthesis, which was not loose at the time of reoperation. No stem subsidence or cement mantle fractures occurred during follow-up, and no revisions were performed for stem loosening.

CONCLUSIONS: Screw fixation into cement around a well-fixed stem did not contribute to stem loosening at short-term follow-up. There were no isolated femoral component revisions for cement mantle issues.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40763211 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00920

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.25.00031. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

➢ The growing prevalence and complexity of spinal pathologies have prompted hospital systems to establish dedicated spine centers to provide personalized, high-quality patient care.➢ The Joint Commission offers Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery to recognize programs that meet rigorous, evidence-based standards of care to their patient population.➢ Designing and implementing a spine center of excellence require the identification of key stakeholders, the development of a strategic plan, the generation of evidence-based clinical protocols, and routine evaluation of program metrics.➢ Spine centers of excellence offer standardized clinical pathways involving comprehensive preoperative optimization and coordinated postoperative care, thus leading to reduced complications and improved patient satisfaction with outcomes.➢ With recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques, robotic surgery, and value-based care models, a dedicated spine program should routinely evaluate the current best clinical practices to ensure compliance with the latest evidence-based care.

PMID:40763208 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.25.00031

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 5. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01269. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The smallest worthwhile effect (SWE) enables patients to evaluate the expected value of a treatment by weighing its benefits, risks, and costs. It has emerged as an alternative to the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for interpreting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The purposes of this study were to determine the SWE estimates and MCID thresholds in patients undergoing surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis (AdIS) and to verify whether meeting or exceeding the SWE estimates correlates with satisfaction at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.

METHODS: Patients with postoperative satisfaction measured at a minimum of 2 years were prospectively recruited between July 2017 and August 2022. The Scoliosis Research Society-22 revised (SRS-22r) questionnaire was preoperatively administered to estimate the SWE thresholds using the benefit-harm trade-off method. The baseline SRS-22r and the SRS-30 at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively were recorded to determine the MCID estimates using the anchor-based approach, with questions 24 to 30 of the SRS-30 used as anchors. A construct validity assessment was performed to evaluate the association between meeting or exceeding the 50th percentile of the SWE (SWE50) threshold and postoperative satisfaction (defined as a score of ≥4 on both SRS-22r satisfaction questions). Race and ethnicity data were collected from the medical records.

RESULTS: A total of 119 Asian participants (19 male and 100 female) with a mean age of 26.5 ± 7.2 years were included. The absolute SWE50 estimates for the SRS-22r were 0.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.6 to 1.2) for self-image, 0.0 (IQR, 0.0 to 0.2) for function, 0.0 (IQR, 0.0 to 0.6) for pain, 0.4 (IQR, 0.0 to 0.6) for mental health, and 0.4 (IQR, 0.2 to 0.6) for the total score. The MCID thresholds for the corresponding domains or total score were 0.7, 0.1, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.3, respectively. Achieving or exceeding the absolute SWE50 threshold for the total score (p < 0.001) or the self-image (chi-square, 11.3; p < 0.001), function (chi-square, 6.3; p = 0.012), or pain (chi-square, 5.7; p = 0.017) domain was significantly correlated with postoperative satisfaction at a minimum of 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS: The SWE could serve as an effective alternative to the MCID for interpreting PROMs at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively in patients with AdIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40763206 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01269

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 4. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01619. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot, or pes planus, is a common anatomical variation marked by a reduced or absent longitudinal arch. Although it is often considered benign, the condition can progress to progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), a debilitating pathology. This study aimed to identify imaging biomarkers that distinguish asymptomatic flatfoot from PCFD by comparing 3D measurements among normally aligned feet, asymptomatic flatfeet, and feet with PCFD.

METHODS: A prospective, comparative, and controlled study was conducted on 561 feet in 475 subjects: 88 control subjects with 98 normally aligned feet, 66 control subjects with 132 asymptomatic flatfeet, and 321 patients with 331 feet with symptomatic PCFD. Bilateral weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) scans were performed, and various 3D measurements were analyzed, focusing on hindfoot valgus (Class A deformity), midfoot and/or forefoot abduction (Class B), arch collapse (Class C), and peritalar subluxation (PTS) (Class D). Statistical analysis, including multivariable nominal regression, was used to identify significant predictors of symptoms.

RESULTS: Progressive increases in Class A, B, and C deformity parameters were observed from normally aligned feet to asymptomatic flatfeet and finally to feet with PCFD. Significant differences in PTS (Class D deformity) were found only in the comparison between the feet with PCFD and the control groups, with reduced joint coverage and increased sinus tarsi coverage, indicating extra-articular impingement. Multivariable analysis identified the minimum sinus tarsi distance as the strongest predictor of symptoms, with a threshold of 1.9 mm best distinguishing symptomatic from asymptomatic feet.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that although hindfoot valgus, midfoot and/or forefoot abduction, and arch collapse deformities progressively increase from normal alignment to PCFD, significant subtalar joint subluxation and sinus tarsi impingement were unique to symptomatic PCFD. These findings suggest that PTS can serve as a crucial biomarker for diagnosing pathologic flatfoot (PCFD) and differentiating it from asymptomatic flatfoot. Future research should explore the predictive value of PTS biomarkers in identifying flatfoot at high risk for collapse and their impact on clinical management and surgical decision-making.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40758778 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01619

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Aug 4. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01404. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine if the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), the 9-item Oswestry Disability Index (ODI-9), and back pain intensity predict abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in pediatric patients with back pain.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective review from April 2021 to June 2023 of 300 children (200 girls and 100 boys) aged 5 to 18 years with caregiver-reported back pain who underwent MRI of the spine and had completed the PROMIS Pediatric computerized adaptive testing measures for Pain Interference, Mobility, and Anxiety and the ODI-9, and had rated back pain intensity on a scale ranging from 0 to 5. Patients were excluded if they had neuromuscular or syndromic scoliosis, a history of previous spinal surgeries, or isolated neck pain. MRI findings were grouped as non-spinal and spinal findings, and then categorized into subgroups as incidental, correlative, and causative findings. Incidental findings were considered those in children with normal MRI findings. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared between children with normal and abnormal MRI findings (defined by the presence of correlative and/or causative findings) with use of Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Of the 300 children, 126 (42%) had abnormal MRI findings and 174 (58%) had normal MRI findings. Lower PROMIS Mobility scores (39.2 versus 42.8, p = 0.001) and higher ODI-9 percentages (27.4 versus 23.3, p = 0.015) were associated with abnormal MRI findings. A PROMIS Mobility threshold of 40.5 and an ODI percentage threshold of 21.1 were optimal for predicting abnormal MRI findings. We did not find an association between PROMIS Anxiety, PROMIS Pain Interference, or pain intensity with abnormal MRI findings.

CONCLUSIONS: Lower PROMIS Mobility scores and higher ODI-9 scores, which reflect worsening functional disability, were associated with abnormal MRI findings in pediatric patients with back pain. Additionally, the minimum clinically important difference was met for the PROMIS Mobility score between those with normal and abnormal MRI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40758775 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01404

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jul 31. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01197. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As orthopaedic surgeons, we embrace a lifestyle and career defined by action, seeking to improve not only our patients' lives but also our profession. One critical area where we can improve lies in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Despite mounting evidence of the profound value that diverse teams bring to innovation, problem-solving, and patient care, orthopaedics has lagged behind most medical specialties in achieving a representative workforce. Addressing this disparity is important in advancing our profession and improving the equitable treatment of our patients. Recognizing this imperative, the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) hosted a DEI symposium in June 2024, in conjunction with its annual meeting, that brought together orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and educators to build upon the importance of creating inclusive spaces in order to ensure that diverse voices are present and are actively contributing to the future of the profession of orthopaedics. A standout feature of the 2024 symposium was a fireside chat format that was accompanied by dynamic audience participation, offering valuable insights and actionable strategies drawn from both the business world and medical oncology. These fields have made substantial strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, providing a model for orthopaedics in overcoming similar challenges. The discussions illuminated the critical concept of allyship and examined the tangible steps that individuals and institutions can take. Allyship, as emphasized during the forum, requires deliberate, sustained effort. It is an active commitment to understanding and supporting underrepresented individuals and groups within the orthopaedic community. This means listening to their experiences, challenging biases, and working collaboratively to dismantle structural barriers. For institutions, it involves cultivating policies, mentorship opportunities, and recruitment strategies that prioritize equity and that reflect the diverse patient populations that we serve. By embracing allyship and adopting lessons from other fields, this symposium demonstrated opportunities to transform our profession and the lives of those who depend on our care, ensuring that our actions align with the ideals that we strive to uphold.

PMID:40743367 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01197

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jul 31. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01530. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Meniscal ramp lesions can impact knee stability, particularly when associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary diagnostic tool, its diagnostic accuracy remains suboptimal. We aimed to determine whether deep learning technology could enhance MRI-based ramp lesion detection.

METHODS: We reviewed the records of 236 patients who underwent arthroscopic procedures documenting ACL injuries and the status of the medial meniscal posterior horn. A deep learning model was developed using MRI data for ramp lesion detection. Ramp lesion risk factors among patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were analyzed using logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and random forest models and were integrated into a final prediction model using Swin Transformer Large architecture.

RESULTS: The deep learning model using MRI data demonstrated superior overall diagnostic performance to the clinicians' assessment (accuracy of 73.3% compared with 68.1%, specificity of 78.0% compared with 62.9%, and sensitivity of 64.7% compared with 76.4%). Incorporating risk factors (age, posteromedial tibial bone marrow edema, and lateral meniscal tears) improved the model's accuracy to 80.7%, with a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 80.9%.

CONCLUSIONS: Integrating deep learning with MRI data and risk factors significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy for ramp lesions, surpassing that of the model using MRI alone and that of clinicians. This study highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to provide clinicians with more accurate diagnostic tools for detecting ramp lesions, potentially enhancing treatment and patient outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40743295 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01530

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00471. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We revaluated the radiographic results of a 2004 landmark, multicenter prospective study of patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCP). In the current study, we developed a new classification to evaluate the femoral head, acetabulum, and greater trochanter in the hips of patients with LCP, to address what we found to be deficiencies in the Stulberg rating system, which is based mainly on femoral head shape.

METHODS: We digitized and analyzed approximately 5,000 radiographs and related data sheets of 337 patients (345 hips) with LCP from the 2004 study. We found many unexpected abnormalities, including serious lesions of the femoral head, that had not been noted in that study. To record our findings in the femoral head, acetabulum, and greater trochanter, we developed a classification system that we termed the HAT (Head, Acetabulum, Trochanter) classification, which assigns the femoral head 1 to 5 points, the acetabulum 1 point if dysplastic, and the greater trochanter 1 point if elevated to or above the femoral head. The sum is the HAT score, which we compared with the Stulberg score, other predictive factors, and the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) from two 20-year follow-up studies of a number of patients from the 2004 study.

RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the HAT score was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90 to 0.95), and the total HAT score correlated strongly with the NAHS. Forty-nine percent of all hips had acetabular dysplasia, which correlated with a worse NAHS. A HAT of ≤3 was considered a good result. The odds of a patient developing acetabular dysplasia at skeletal maturity were lower after surgical treatment than after nonoperative treatment. In addition, surgically treated patients had better HAT scores than nonoperatively treated patients, especially if their skeletal age was ≥6 years at LCP onset. Better outcomes were also associated with a favorable lateral pillar classification, a younger skeletal at onset, and male sex.

CONCLUSIONS: The HAT classification is reproducible and allows a more comprehensive analysis of the radiographic outcomes of LCP. The system is flexible and would allow for different measures of its 3 components in future studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40729461 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00471

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00835. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening remains a main complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), requiring revision surgery. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) can assess the risk of aseptic loosening. This study evaluated the migration and segmental motion of cemented and uncemented femoral and asymmetrical tibial Persona components (Zimmer Biomet) with model-based RSA.

METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 63 patients (22 male patients and 41 female patients, with a mean age of 62 years) and compared patients who underwent TKA with cemented and uncemented Persona components. The primary outcome measure was the maximal total point motion (MTPM) after 2 years. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups. Migration was visualized by plotting the mean and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: After 3 months, femoral components demonstrated an MTPM of 0.41 mm (95% CI, 0.35 to 0.48 mm) in the cemented group and 0.65 mm (95% CI, 0.50 to 0.80 mm) in the uncemented group. Subsequently, a stabilization occurred, and the MTPM after 24 months was 0.51 mm (95% CI, 0.41 to 0.61 mm) in the cemented group and 0.83 mm (95% CI, 0.65 to 1.02 mm) in the uncemented group. There was a significant difference between fixation types at 3 months (p = 0.04), 6 months (p = 0.03), 12 months (p = 0.02), and 24 months (p = 0.02). At 3 months postoperatively, the tibial component demonstrated an MTPM of 0.70 mm (95% CI, 0.53 to 0.88 mm) in the cemented group and 0.76 mm (95% CI, 0.61 to 0.91 mm) in the uncemented group. A stabilization was then observed, and migration after 24 months was 0.72 mm (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.89 mm) for cemented components and 0.78 mm (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.92) for uncemented components.

CONCLUSIONS: TKA with cemented and uncemented Persona components showed migration values within acceptable ranges, suggesting successful long-term fixation; however, significant differences in mean MTPM between cemented and uncemented femoral components were found.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40729455 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00835

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01205. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) is a common surgical procedure for treating lumbar degenerative conditions. The use of osteobiologics to enhance fusion has emerged as a promising alternative to address the limitations of autologous iliac crest bone graft (AICBG), but their comparative efficacy and safety remain unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to assess the fusion rates, safety profiles, and clinical outcomes of the use of osteobiologics in LSF.

METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different osteobiologics to AICBG in LSF. Data on fusion rates, complications, pain, disability, blood loss, operative time, and length of stay (LOS) were extracted. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. The NMA was performed using a frequentist random-effects model to compare the efficacy and safety of various osteobiologics, along with associated perioperative and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Forty-three RCTs including a total of 3,823 patients were identified. The use of rhBMP-2 (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2) significantly improved fusion rates (odds ratio [OR]: 3.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.59 to 5.32; p < 0.0001) and reduced complications (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.68; p < 0.0001) compared with AICBG, with moderate certainty of the evidence. Other osteobiologics, including ABM/P-15 (anorganic bone matrix/15-amino acid peptide fragment) and allograft, demonstrated reduced complication rates, although the quality of the evidence was low to very low. No significant differences were observed for pain, disability, or LOS. The use of rhBMP-2, autologous local bone, and silicate-substituted calcium phosphate was associated with decreased operative time, with rhBMP-2 additionally associated with lower intraoperative blood loss.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of rhBMP-2 was associated with significantly higher fusion and lower complication rates compared with AICBG, as well as decreased operative time and blood loss. Other osteobiologics may also offer benefits, but the supporting evidence is low-quality and limited by the notable underrepresentation of these materials in the published literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40729448 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01205

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00792. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament tears are a common injury that is often treated with arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This meta-analysis investigates the impact of tourniquet use on ACLR and the outcomes of this procedure.

METHODS: Searches were conducted across 4 databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 checklist. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the outcomes between patients who underwent ACLR with versus without a tourniquet.

RESULTS: Eight studies were eligible for systematic review; of these, 6 were eligible for meta-analysis. The CONSORT scores for the studies ranged from 22 to 37. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss (standardized mean difference, with versus without a tourniquet [SMD], -2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.87, 1.58; I2 = 99%), surgery time (SMD, -0.57; 95% CI: -1.32, 0.18; I2 = 94%), or Lysholm knee scores after 1 year (SMD, -0.06; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.21; I2 = 0%). The quality of the arthroscopic visual field varied across the studies. Postoperative pain levels were significantly higher in the tourniquet group (SMD6-hour follow-up, 1.77; 95% CI: 0.07, 3.47; I2 = 93%), although morphine consumption did not differ significantly between the groups (SMD, 0.25; 95% CI: -0.83, 1.33; I2 = 93%). The no-tourniquet group had significantly greater thigh (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.14; I2 = 36%) and calf (SMD, -0.26; 95% CI: -0.49, -0.03; I2 = 70%) circumferences postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Tourniquet use during ACLR did not significantly impact intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin levels, or surgery time but was associated with increased postoperative pain. The use of epinephrine solution may be a viable alternative to the use of a tourniquet to improve visualization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40729445 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00792