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Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with mechanical alignment (MA) aims to achieve neutral limb alignment in all patients, whereas TKA with functional alignment (FA) aims to restore native, patient-specific anatomy and knee kinematics by manipulating bone resections and fine-tuning implant positioning. The objective of this study is to determine the optimal alignment technique in TKA by comparing patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, implant survivorship, complications, and cost-effectiveness in MA TKA versus FA TKA. Robotic technology will be used to execute the planned implant positioning and limb alignment with high-levels of accuracy in all study patients. Methods and analysis This prospective double-blinded randomised control trial will include 100 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary robotic arm-assisted TKA. Following informed consent, patients will be randomised to MA TKA (the control group) or FA TKA (the investigation group) at a ratio of 1:1 using an online random number generator. Blinded observers will review patients at regular intervals for 2 years after surgery to record predefined study outcomes relating to postoperative rehabilitation, clinical progress, functional outcomes, accuracy of implant positioning and limb alignment, gait, implant stability, cost-effectiveness, and complications. A superiority study design will be used to evaluate whether FA TKA provides superior outcomes compared to MA TKA. Primary and secondary objectives will be used to quantify and draw inferences on differences in the efficacy of treatment between the two groups. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol population analysis will be undertaken. The following statistical methods will be employed to analyse the data: descriptive statistics, independent t test, paired t test, analysis of variance, Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and graphical displays. Ethical approval was obtained from the London-Surrey Research Ethics Committee, UK. The study is sponsored by University College London, UK. Discussion This is the first study to describe the use of robotic technology to achieve FA TKA, and the only existing clinical trial comparing robotic MA TKA versus robotic FA TKA. The findings of this study will enable an improved understanding of the optimal alignment technique in TKA for achieving high-levels of patient satisfaction, improving functional outcomes, increasing implant survivorship, improving cost-effectiveness, and reducing complications. Registration Clinical Trials.gov , NCT04092153 . Registered on 17 September 2019.

Background: Patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) often want to return to sport (RTS) after surgery. However, the time taken to RTS and proportion of patients who RTS after UKA remain unknown. Purpose: To determine the time to RTS and proportion of patients who RTS after UKA. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A search was performed using PubMed, Medline, Embase, SPORTDiscus and the Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials reporting on RTS after UKA published between database inception and September 2021. In addition, a manual search was performed of relevant sports medicine and orthopaedic journals, and bibliographies were reviewed for eligible trials. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used to undertake this study. Results: This meta-analysis included 11 studies (749 patients) that reported on RTS after UKA. The proportion of patients returning to sports increased over time: 6 studies (432 patients) demonstrated an overall pooled proportion of 48.1% (95% CI, 36.3%-60.2%) of patients who returned to sport at 3 months after surgery, while 7 studies (443 patients) demonstrated an overall pooled proportion of 76.5% (95% CI, 63.9%-87.1%) of patients who returned to sport at 6 months after surgery. Overall, 92.7% (95% CI, 85.8%-97.4%) of 749 patients were able to RTS at 4 years after surgery. Overall excellent patient-reported functional outcomes scores and low risk of complications with RTS after UKA were reported. Conclusion: The authors found that 48.1% of patients were able to RTS at 3 months after surgery and 76.5% were able to RTS at 6 months after UKA. Pooled proportion analysis showed that >90% of patients undergoing UKA were able to RTS at 48 months after surgery. The majority of patients who were able to RTS after UKA did so at a lower level of intensity than their preoperative level. RTS after UKA was associated with good patient-reported functional outcomes scores and a low risk of complications.

This narrative review evaluates the purpose and functionality of rotating hinged total knee arthroplasty (RHTKA). The main indications for an RHTKA are poor bone stock, soft tissue compromise, gross instability, and periprosthetic fractures. Studies have shown that an RHTKA may be used in both the primary and revision scenarios to improve the range of motion and functional outcomes. Radiostereometric analysis has shown that some RHTKA designs are associated with early femoral component micromotion, but this has not translated to increased failure or revision rates. Implant survivorship with a modern RHTKA is comparable to a condylar-constrained TKA at mid-term follow-up. The most common complications associated with RHTKA are aseptic loosening, periprosthetic joint infection, stiffness and periprosthetic fractures.

Background Avascular necrosis of the femoral head causes significant morbidity and occurs in up to 20,000 people per year. A variety of nonoperative and operative measures have been trialled however a definitive treatment algorithm is yet to be established. Young adults in many cases have undergone multiple surgical procedures in their lifetime with increasing risks of complications. Less invasive techniques may help reduce the number of operations required and positively influence the natural history of the disease process. Our aim was to navigate the literature and examine the results of electrical stimulation of the femoral head in avascular necrosis. Methods The following defined search strategy was used to perform a systematic review using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases: ( (avascular necrosis) OR (osteonecrosis)) AND (femoral head) AND ((electrical stimulation) OR (capacitive coupling) OR (pulsed electromagnetic fields)). Articles were reviewed and data compiled into tables for analysis. Results Fourty six articles were identified with a total of 10 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. 8 articles were prospective studies and 2 were retrospective. Early Ficat stages showed the best responses to treatment via pulsed electromagnetic fields with improvements in both clinical and radiographic parameters. Direct current and capacitative coupling have had a more ambiguous outcome. Conclusions Pulsed electromagnetic fields may have a role in the management of early avascular necrosis. The paucity of clinical studies into this technique indicates a need for further studies.

Background: Understanding the optimal management of distal biceps femoris avulsion injuries is critical for restoring preinjury function, restoring hamstring muscle strength, increasing range of motion, and minimizing risk of complications and recurrence. Due to the rarity of these injuries, prognosis and outcomes within the literature are limited to case reports and small case series. Purpose: To assess the effect of surgical repair for acute distal avulsion injuries of the biceps femoris tendon on (1) return to preinjury level of sporting function and (2) time to return to preinjury level of sporting function, patient satisfaction, and complications. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This prospective single-surgeon study included 22 elite athletes (18 men [82%], 4 women [18%]; mean age, 26 years; age range, 17-35 years; mean body mass index, 25.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2) undergoing primary suture anchor repair of avulsion injuries of the distal biceps femoris confirmed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Predefined outcomes relating to time for return to sporting activity, patient satisfaction, complications, and injury recurrence were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Minimum follow-up time was 12 months (range, 12.0-26.0 months) from the date of surgery. Results: The mean time from injury to surgical intervention was 12 days (range, 2-28 days). All study patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity, predominately professional soccer or rugby. Mean time from surgical intervention to return to full sporting activity was 16.7 ± 8.7 weeks. At 1- and 2-year follow-up, all study patients were still participating at their preinjury level of sporting activity. There was no incidence of primary injury recurrence, and no patients required further operation to the biceps origin. Conclusion: Surgical repair of acute avulsion injuries of the distal biceps femoris facilitated early return to preinjury level of function with low risk of recurrence, low complication rate, and high patient satisfaction in elite athletes. Suture anchor repair of these injuries should be considered a reliable treatment option in athletes with high functional demands to permit an early return to sport with restoration of hamstring strength.

Background Robotic-arm assisted surgery aims to reduce manual errors and improve the accuracy of implant positioning during total hip arthroplasty. The objective of this study is to compare the accuracy of implant positioning, restoration of hip biomechanics, patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, implant survivorship, cost-effectiveness, and complications in conventional manual total hip arthroplasty (CO THA) versus robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (RO THA). Preoperative pelvic computerised tomography (CT) scans will be used to create patient-specific, virtual, three-dimensional reconstructions for surgical planning in both treatment groups. Methods and analysis This prospective randomised controlled trial will include 60 patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis undergoing primary THA. Following informed consent, patients will be randomised to CO THA (control group) or RO THA (investigation group) at a ratio of 1:1 using an online random number generator. Observers will review patients at regular intervals for 2 years after surgery to record predefined study outcomes relating to the accuracy of implant positioning, hip biomechanics, postoperative rehabilitation, clinical progress, functional outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and complications. Primary and secondary objectives will be used to quantify and draw inferences on differences in the efficacy of treatment between the two groups. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol population analysis will be undertaken. Intention to treat relates to the allocated treatment (CO THA or RO THA), and per-protocol refers to the actual treatment received by the patient. The following statistical methods will be employed to analyse the data: descriptive statistics, independent t test, paired t test, analysis of variance, Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and graphical displays. Ethical approval was obtained from the London-Bromley Research Ethics Committee, UK. The study is sponsored by University College London, UK. Discussion This study compares a comprehensive and robust range of clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes in CT-planned CO THA versus CT-planned RO THA. The findings of this study will enable an improved understanding of the differences in CO THA versus RO THA with respect to patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, implant survivorship, cost-effectiveness, and complications. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04095845 . Registered on 19 September 2019

Background The direct superior approach (DSA) is a minimally invasive modification of the posterior approach (PA) that preserves the iliotibial band and short external rotators except for the piriformis or conjoint tendon during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objective of this study is to compare patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, accuracy of implant positioning, component stability, gait, cost-effectiveness, and complications in the DSA versus PA for THA. Methods and analysis This prospective double-blinded randomised control trial will include 80 patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis undergoing primary THA. Following informed consent, patients will be randomised to THA using the PA (control group) or DSA (investigation group) at a ratio of 1:1 using an online random number generator. Blinded observers will review patients at regular intervals for 2 years after surgery to record predefined study outcomes relating to postoperative rehabilitation, clinical progress, functional outcomes, accuracy of implant positioning, gait analysis on force plate treadmill, implant migration with radiosteriometric analysis, cost-effectiveness, and complications. A superiority study design will be used to evaluate whether the DSA provides improved outcomes compared to the PA for THA. Evaluation of study outcomes in DSA and PA will be used to quantify and draw inferences on differences in the efficacy of treatment between the two groups. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol population analysis will be undertaken. The following statistical methods will be employed to analyse the data: descriptive statistics, independent t test, paired t test, analysis of variance, Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and graphical displays. Ethical approval was obtained from the London-Fulham Research Ethics Committee, UK. The study is sponsored by University College London, UK. Discussion This study compares a comprehensive and robust range of clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes in THA performed using the PA versus DSA. The findings of this study will provide an improved understanding of the differences in the PA versus DSA for THA with respect to patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, implant survivorship, gait, cost-effectiveness, and complications. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04191993 . Registered on 10 December 2019

Background: Understanding the optimal management of distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries is critical for reducing pain, restoring preinjury function, maintaining knee stability, improving hamstring muscle strength, and minimizing the risk of complications and recurrence. To our knowledge, the outcomes of surgical tenodesis for distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries have not been previously reported. Hypothesis: Surgical tenodesis for injuries of the semitendinosus would enable return to preinjury level of sport with low risk of recurrence. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This prospective single-surgeon study included 13 professional athletes (12 men, 1 woman; mean age, 32 ± 8.2 years; mean body mass index, 26.7 ± 3.9 kg/m2) undergoing treatment for distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries with primary tenodesis to the distal semimembranosus. Indications for surgical tenodesis included distal semitendinosus tendon avulsion injury (n = 8) or residual tendon instability and hamstring weakness after semitendinosus graft harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (n = 5). All study patients underwent a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program. The primary outcome was defined as time for return to sporting activity. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, injury recurrence, and complications. The mean follow-up time was 17 months (range, 12-24 months) from date of surgery. Results: All study patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. The mean time from the surgical intervention to return to full sporting activity was 15 ± 4.6 weeks. At 1-year follow-up, all study patients were still participating at their preinjury level of sporting activity, and 12 patients (92%) were very satisfied and 1 patient (8%) was satisfied about the outcomes of their surgery. No study patients had recurrence of the primary injury. No surgical complications, injury recurrence, or reoperations were observed within the follow-up period. Conclusion: Early return to sporting activity was seen after surgical tenodesis for distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries after acute trauma or residual symptoms following previous hamstring graft harvest, with high levels of patient satisfaction and low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.

Background: The jackling position within rugby has not been previously described as a mechanism for proximal hamstring injuries. Hypothesis: Acute surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries sustained from the jackling contact position enables a return to a previous level of sporting activity with low risk of recurrence. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included 54 professional rugby players (mean age, 26 ± 4.8 years) who underwent acute primary surgical repair of complete, proximal hamstring avulsion injuries. The mean follow-up time was 17 months (range, 12-24 months). Mean isometric hamstring strength and function testing was performed at 3 months and 1 year after repair. Results: Of the 54 players, 51 (94.4%) returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. The mean time from surgical repair to full sporting activity was 7 months (range, 4-12 months). No patients had recurrence of the primary injury. At 1 year postoperatively, patients had significantly restored mean isometric hamstring muscle strength when compared with the uninjured leg at 0° (98.4% ± 2.8%), 15° (95.9% ± 2.9%), and 45° (92.9% ± 4.1%); improved Lower Extremity Functional Score (78.0 ± 2.0); and improved Marx activity rating score (14.3 ± 1.5) (P < .001 for all). Conclusion: Acute surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries caused by the contact jackling position produced a high return to preinjury level of sporting activity, increased muscle strength, and improved functional outcome scores, with a low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.

Background The incidence of esophageal carcinoma and the global prevalence of obesity are both increasing. As a result, there is an increased number of esophagectomies being performed on obese patients. The identification of specific complications in obese patients undergoing esophagectomy may allow improved risk assessment and postoperative management to reduce morbidity and mortality. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether obese patients are at increased risk of postoperative complications, mortality, and compromised survival compared to non-obese patients following esophageal resection. Methods A Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane database search was performed on all articles between January 1980 and January 2012 comparing post-esophagectomy outcomes between obese and non-obese patients. This study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Quality of Reporting of Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results There was no significant difference between obese and non-obese patients with respect to extent of tumor resection, cardiorespiratory complications, anastomotic leakage, reoperation rates, wound infection, or postoperative mortality. Meta-regression analysis showed that diabetes in obese patients was associated with a significant impact on the risk of anastomotic leakage (coefficient = −7.94 [−15.24–0.65, P  = 0.03) and atrial fibrillation (coefficient = −6.94 [−12.79–1.10], P  = 0.02). Overall, obese patients had significantly better long-term survival than non-obese patients (Hazard Ratio = 0.78 [0.64–0.96], P  = 0.02). Conclusions In patients who are eligible for surgery, obesity alone does not increase risk of postoperative complications or mortality and should not be an independent contraindication for esophagectomy. However, the presence of diabetes mellitus in conjunction with obesity may be associated with increased risk of anastomotic leakage and atrial fibrillation. Because of the adverse physiological remodeling in obesity, surgeons should maintain a low threshold for the investigation and management of complications and ensure meticulous management of co-morbidities. Obesity may also improve long-term postoperative survival after esophageal surgery, although further studies with higher levels of evidence are necessary to fully determine any advantageous effects of obesity following oncological esophageal surgery.