Introduction

Upper femoral fractures include intra and extra-capsular fracture (ECF). For intra-capsular fracture (ICF), hemi-arthroplasty (HA) is the most commonly used treatment. Interest in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is growing because THA yields less revision (4% versus 7%) associated to better functional results despite higher dislocation rate (9% versus 3%). Regarding ECF, internal fixation is the reference treatment. THA could represent a relevant alternative. This study evaluates the efficiency of THA using dual mobility cup (THA-DMC) as treatment of these fractures specially in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND PURPOSES

dislocation is a classical complication in total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision. Cup fixation is the second concern. Since 1998 we routinely use cementless Dual mobility cup (DMC) in revision surgery. In order to know outcomes at 2 years, we followed a prospective series of 78 patients treated in our institution. Purpose is to demonstrate that DMC used in revision THA is safe as regards dislocation risk and bone fixation.

Mid and long-term follow-up of Charnley total hip arthroplasty (THA) demonstrated good functional results with 85% survivorship at 25-year follow-up. However dislocation still remains an unsolved problem. Dislocation may occur all along the patient and implant life. The aim of this study is to answer the question: does Dual Mobility Cup (DMC) decrease the dislocation risk? Method: We report comparative results at ten years of follow-up of 2 groups of primary cemented Charnley-type THA, one with a standard polyethylene cup (group 1, n=215) and the other one with a DMC (group 2, n=105). Results: In group 1, twenty-six dislocations (12.9%) occurred. In group 2 only one dislocation (0.9%) occurred. This dislocation was successfully reduced by close reduction, without any recurrence. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0018). In group 1, reason for revision was recurrent dislocation in twenty one cases. Five patients have been revised for other reasons. The global revision rate was 12.9%. In group 2, two patients needed revision surgery for aseptic loosening. The global revision rate was 2.1%. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0054). The goal was reached for the patients of group 2 who had more risks factors of dislocation (age, aetiology, ASA and Devane scores) than those of group 1. When using a DMC, we observed a low rate of dislocation in primary THA (0.9%). This surgical choice seems to be a secure and effective technique in Charnley-type THA, especially in a high risk population.

Purpose: Until recently, evaluation of surgical treatment for brachial plexus palsy has been purely analytic, not taking into account the patient’s overall functional capacity nor his/her quality of life. The unilateral nature of these palsies and the fact that the limb remains healthy requires a global assessment of outcome. We propose here to associate the classical analytical evaluation with a global quality of life evaluation to determine the beneficial effect of surgical treatment for partial or total brachial plexus palsy.

Material and methods: Forty-four patients, mean age 30 years (17–60) were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 34 months. These patients were divided into two groups: C5–C6 ± C7 palsy (n=18), C5-T1 palsy (n=26). In each group, we recorded a complete muscle analysis, a visual analogue scale test of pain, and results of three quality of life questionnaires (DASH, Abilhand, MOS SF-36). We studied for each group the influence of recovered elbow flexion (biceps ≥ M3+), recovered shoulder function (abduction ≥ M3+), and residual pain on quality of life.

Results: The overall analysis did not demonstrate any difference in quality of life between partial and complete palsy. The three questionnaires were correlated with each other (p< 0.03). Residual pain (visual analogue scale ≥ 4 in 59% of the patients) was correlated with quality of life (p< 0.05) while involvement of the dominant side did not have any influence. In the partial palsy group, recovery of shoulder function (61%, n=11) improved significantly all the quality of life scores (p< 0.01). Conversely, recovery of elbow flexion (72%, n=13) did not improve quality of life in patients with a functional shoulder (p< 0.02). In the group with total palsy, recovery of shoulder function (77%, n=20) appeared to be as least as important as elbow flexion on quality of life (p ≤ 0.05).

Discussion: Unlike generally accepted notions, postoperative assessment of quality of life in these brachial plexus palsy patients demonstrates the importance of shoulder function which appears to be as least as important as recovery of elbow flexion. Furthermore, persistent pain appeared as one of the main negative factors affecting quality of life. Appropriate management is necessary.