Adult Reconstruction Review articles on critical topics for orthopaedic exam prep …
High-Yield Summary Vascular injury during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is rare (<0.2%) but carries high morbidity, including limb ischemia and potential amputation. The external iliac and common femoral arteries are most commonly injured due to their proximity to the acetabulum and femoral canal. Early recognition via intraoperative bleeding, loss of distal pulsesor postoperative limb ischemia […]
High-Yield Summary Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) significantly reduces wear rates compared to conventional polyethylene in total joint arthroplasty, directly impacting implant longevity and revision rates. Cross-linking improves resistance to abrasive and adhesive wear but may compromise mechanical properties such as fatigue strength and fracture toughness. Optimal HXLPE processing balances cross-link density with post-irradiation thermal treatments […]
High-Yield Summary Periprosthetic tibial fractures (PTFs) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are uncommon but challenging, requiring precise classification to guide treatment. The Felix classification remains the cornerstone for PTFs, categorizing fractures by location and implant stability, directly influencing management. Non-operative treatment is reserved for stable implants with minimal displacement; operative intervention is indicated for unstable […]
High-Yield Summary Optimal cementing technique is critical for implant fixation, longevityand reducing aseptic loosening in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Key steps include thorough bone preparation, pressurization of cementand timing of cement viscosity to maximize interdigitation. Modern polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) formulations and vacuum mixing reduce porosity and improve mechanical properties. Cement mantle quality and uniform thickness directly […]
High-Yield Summary Constrained liners are primarily indicated in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) for recurrent instability when soft tissue and bony constraints are insufficient. Proper patient selection and understanding implant design limitations are critical to minimize mechanical failure and optimize stability. The choice between constrained liners, dual mobilityand other options depends on the degree of […]
High-Yield Summary Infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requires prompt, accurate diagnosis and tailored surgical management to optimize eradication and functional outcomes. One-stage exchange offers comparable infection control with fewer surgeries and faster recovery but demands strict patient selection and microbiological certainty. Two-stage exchange remains the gold standard for complex infections, resistant organismsor compromised hosts, balancing […]
High-Yield Summary The Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) classification stratifies bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by location and severity, guiding reconstruction strategy. Type 1 defects involve intact metaphyseal bone; Type 2 defects have damaged metaphyseal bone but intact collateral ligaments; Type 3 defects include severe bone loss compromising ligamentous stability. Accurate defect […]
High-Yield Summary Trunnionosis is a corrosion and wear phenomenon at the femoral head-neck junction, leading to adverse local tissue reactions and implant failure. Diagnosis hinges on clinical suspicion in patients with unexplained pain post-THA, supported by serum metal ion levels and advanced imaging. Management requires a nuanced decision between isolated head and liner exchange versus […]
High-Yield Summary Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) enhances precision in bone resection and implant positioning, reducing alignment outliers compared to conventional techniques. Improved soft tissue balancing and kinematic alignment with RA-TKA correlate with better early functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. RA-TKA may reduce intraoperative complications such as ligament injury and improve reproducibility in complex deformities […]
High-Yield Summary Chronic pelvic dissociation in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents a complex failure of pelvic continuity, often involving severe acetabular bone loss and instability that mandates advanced reconstructive strategies. Accurate classification of pelvic discontinuity guides surgical planning; the Paprosky and AAOS systems remain critical for assessing bone loss and discontinuity extent. Surgical management […]
Last Updated on January 25, 2026 by Christian Veillette










